UN Envoy's Return to Yemen for Negotiations with Houthis on Hodeidah Port

Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy, has once again traveled to Yemen's capital to negotiate with Houthi rebels regarding the situation at the key Hodeidah port. The Saudi-led coalition claims that the Houthis have not changed their position. In recent weeks, the UN envoy has met with the Houthis several times. The UN, concerned about the consequences of the coalition's attack on Hodeidah and the Houthis' battles with this coalition, is trying to find a way out of the crisis. Mr. Griffiths, who arrived in Sanaa on July 2, has not yet issued a statement or official announcement regarding his visit. The United Arab Emirates, which supports armed groups loyal to the Yemeni government, has asked the Houthis to leave Hodeidah. Turki al-Maliki, the spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, stated, 'It is expected that the UN envoy will talk to the [Houthi] militants to find a solution and establish a framework for negotiations.' Turki al-Maliki mentioned that the Houthis have not yet changed their stance, referring to the coalition's demand for the rebels to withdraw from Hodeidah. The coalition spokesman emphasized that operations in Hodeidah 'will continue until the [Houthi] position changes.' The Saudi-led coalition entered the conflict three years ago to restore power to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the Yemeni president who remains the internationally recognized head of the government. The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, control the capital and the Hodeidah port. Hodeidah is one of the main areas for importing goods to Yemen and plays a key role in transferring humanitarian aid to civilians in the country. Over 70% of Yemen's imports come through this port, which is one of the main reasons for the UN's concern about a potential 'humanitarian disaster.' While the UN is trying to reach a solution with the Houthi rebels to reduce the risks arising from the fighting, the Saudi-led coalition is also facing criticism regarding its operations in Hodeidah. The Associated Press reports that the coalition is criticized for airstrikes, destruction of hospitals and markets, and civilian casualties, while the Houthis face criticism for killing and injuring civilians and for laying landmines.