Ankara:Yemen's Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba has laid out five key conditions for achieving peace in Yemen, emphasizing the need for the Houthi rebels to disarm and join the political process. During an official visit to Turkey, al-Zouba stated that a peace settlement requires rebuilding state institutions and ensuring that the Houthis can no longer engage in activities she described as terrorism within Yemen or the broader region.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, al-Zouba highlighted the need for implementing agreed frameworks for peace, including UN Security Council Resolution 2216, the outcomes of Yemen's National Dialogue Conference, and the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative. Resolution 2216 specifically calls for the Houthis to withdraw from areas they have seized, such as the capital Sanaa, surrender weapons obtained from military and security institutions, and allow humanitarian access.
Al-Zouba accused the Houthis of using peace negotiations to bolster their military capabilities, alleging that they have repeatedly exploited the peace process to acquire weapons. She expressed that both the Yemeni government and international community have pursued negotiations under the belief that a peaceful resolution was attainable, but the Houthis have instead used these talks to expand their arsenal.
The minister also discussed Operation 'Dawn of Yemen,' initiated by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, as an effort to end Houthi control and restore governmental authority. She accused the Houthis of using Iranian expertise to develop their weapons capabilities and expressed concern about their potential to train other groups, such as Somalia's al-Shabaab.
Al-Zouba detailed the ongoing siege in Taiz province, where Houthi shelling and restricted access to essential supplies are affecting roughly 4 million residents. Despite years of resistance against Houthi control, Taiz continues to face significant challenges in obtaining water, food, medicine, and fuel.
Additionally, she praised Turkey's strategic role in regional security and its diplomatic efforts to promote stability, citing the longstanding historic ties between Yemen and Turkey.