RIYADH - The success of any political solution in Yemen depends on the Houthi militias, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said here on Tuesday in a joint press conference with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

“Saudi Arabia did not want a war in Yemen but was forced into it after the coup against the legitimate government by the Houthi militias,” Jubeir said, adding that the Houthis have hardened against a political process in Yemen because of Iran’s obstinacy and interference.

On his part, Guterres added that the UN has seen the humanitarian aid distribution in Yemen improved significantly in recent weeks.

Jubeir also said that Saudi Arabia will be prepared to send troops into Syria as part of the U.S-led coalition if a decision was taken to widen it.

“We are in discussion with the US and have been since the beginning of the Syrian crisis about sending forces into Syria,” Jubeir told the press conference.

Jubeir said Riyadh had expressed its readiness while Barack Obama was US President to send ground forces into Syria if the United States were to add an on-the-ground component to the US-led coalition fighting Daesh (so called IS) militants.

On his part, the UN Chief said that it is necessary to resume Geneva negotiations and discussion between representatives of the government as well as the opposition. “The Kingdom shall play a leading role in gathering the opposition before heading towards Geneva, and the UN is backing the Kingdom, in this regard, in order to resume the dialogue, as there are no military solutions in Syria.”

Guterres expressed UN’s keenness to send experts of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to Douma as soon as possible. He stressed the need for an independent investigation into the incident.

Jubeir said he discussed with the UN chief the latest developments in the region, including finding a solution to the tragedy in Syria.

He said that they discussed the situations in Yemen and Libya in addition to Iran’s negative interference in the regional affairs and the ways to support the Rohingya issue.

The two sides also discussed the Kingdom’s relationship with the UN in general and means of strengthening them in all fields. “In general, the Kingdom and the UN share an identical vision which is very positive," he said.

The UN chief thanked the Kingdom for its $500 million humanitarian support to Yemen in addition $50 million as a support for the UNRWA. -- SG/SPA