Al Mukalla: The Yemeni government delegation in Kuwait on Wednesday returned to peace talks aimed at ending the civil war after a security panel was formed to probe Al Houthis’ raid on a major military base in the northern province of Amran.
UN special envoy to Yemen Esmail Ould Shaikh Ahmad tweeted a picture of delegates representing the main warring sides sitting around a U-shaped table and said talks on Wednesday would focus on cementing the shaky ceasefire.
On Sunday, the delegation suspended participation in the talks when the rebel fighters stormed Al Amalega brigade in Amran and allegedly looted heavy weaponry.
Salem Al Khanbashi, a member of government delegation, told Gulf News that Al Houthis’ attack on the base has triggered condemnation from many countries including the GCC states, Turkey, Egypt, the US and the UK. “These countries reiterated their unchanged support to us against Al Houthis’ violations. A military committee was formed and would visit the brigade and issue a report in 72 hours,” he said on Wednesday.
Al Houthis did not dispute the government’s claims, saying the brigade has been under their control since recapturing Amran in 2014. Their official media broadcast footage from inside the brigade showing soldiers expressing support to rebels.
In Kuwait, analysts who closely watch progress of the talks believe that Al Houthis’ mobilisation of forces on many fronts could prompt government officials to walk out of talks. “Al Houthis’ continuing shelling and amassing of forces show that they have no desire to make peace.” Ahmad Al Beheh, a pro-government journalist told Gulf News from Kuwait.
Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Malik Al Mikhlafi said on Twitter on Wednesday that he engaged in discussions with the GCC Secretary-General, UN Envoy for Yemen, Foreign Minister of Kuwait and other Gulf ministers to address thorny issues like honouring the ceasefire, Al Houthis attack on the brigade and the shelling of and siege on Taiz, and that the government was looking for assurances from the international community to mount pressure on Al Houthis.
Peace talks in the Kuwaiti capital kicked off last month despite sporadic clashes between the warning factions. The government forces have accused the rebels of exploiting the absence of the Saudi-led warplanes, that give them the upper hand in the fighting, to regroup and bring military supplies and fighters to the battlefield. Military officers in Taiz, Lahj, Sana’a and Jawf say that Al Houthis have amassed dozens of armed vehicles and have tried many times to recapture new territories from them.
