Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s announcement of a new peace initiative on Monday demonstrates the Kingdom’s keen interest in the stability and security of Yemen, said Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman.

In a series of tweets following the announcement of the Saudi initiative, Prince Khalid said: The Kingdom seeks to establish peace in Yemen. The recent announcement is in line with previous proposals, from the Gulf initiative to all consultation efforts to end the crisis and reach a comprehensive political settlement.”

“The initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s interest in the stability of Yemen and its commitment to unifying all Yemeni factions in upholding their national priorities,” Prince Khalid added.

Calling on the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to accept the offer for the best interests of Yemen, the Saudi deputy defense minister said: “The initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and give the Houthis the opportunity to uphold the interests of Yemen and its honorable people first over Iranian expansionist goals.”

“We hope that they will quickly accept it and start peace consultations between all Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement,” Prince Khalid added.

Reiterating Riyadh’s support for Yemen’s legitimate government in the face of the continued Houthi aggression, Prince Khalid said: “We will continue to defend our people, land, and borders, and we will continue our support for the Yemeni gov. and its armed forces against Houthi aggression. We also affirm our commitment to implement the initiative if the Houthis accept it, under UN supervision and monitoring.”