Reuters: Secret Negotiations Between Saudi Arabia and Houthis in Oman

Reuters reports, citing Yemeni diplomats and political sources, that the Houthis and Saudi Arabia are engaged in secret negotiations to end the three-year war in Yemen. Two diplomats and two Yemeni officials, who wished to remain anonymous, told Reuters that the dialogue between Mohammed Abdulsalam, the Houthi spokesperson, and Saudi officials in Oman has been direct and aimed at achieving a comprehensive solution. One of these diplomats stated, 'The talks between the Houthis and Saudis are taking place without the presence of a representative from the internationally recognized Yemeni government, and it is clear that the Houthis and the coalition (Saudi) are inclined to move towards a comprehensive agreement.' However, a Saudi coalition official denied any negotiations with the Houthis while supporting the UN's efforts to reach a political solution in Yemen. These sources told Reuters that the negotiations are aimed at achieving a ceasefire on all fronts and reaching a peace agreement. Over three years of Saudi coalition airstrikes in Yemen have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the destruction of much of the country's infrastructure. Food and medicine shortages and the outbreak of infectious diseases have harmed millions. Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the President of Yemen, fled to Saudi Arabia after the Houthis took control of Sanaa, the capital, and formed an exiled government in Riyadh, which is recognized by the UN. On April 6, 2014, the Saudi coalition launched Operation 'Decisive Storm' against the Houthis in Yemen. However, after three years of relentless bombings, the Houthis still control Sanaa, the capital, and the strategic port of Hodeidah. Iran supports the Houthis in the Yemen war; Saudi Arabia and the US have accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to the Houthis. The Houthis occasionally launch missiles towards Saudi Arabia. Iran has denied these accusations. Diplomatic sources told Reuters that negotiations between the Saudi coalition and the Houthis have been ongoing for two months and seem to aim at providing a framework for an agreement, coinciding with the visit of the new UN envoy to Yemen. Martin Griffiths, a former British diplomat, began his role as the UN special envoy on Sunday. Reuters notes that it appears the exiled government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi has been sidelined in these talks; the government that Saudi Arabia began attacks against the Houthis to restore to power. Reuters adds that officials from Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi's government have expressed ignorance about these negotiations. According to the agency, these officials have recently criticized the Saudi coalition for not allowing Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and his entourage to return to Yemen.