Saudi Arabia and Oman are reportedly in peace talks with Houthis in Yemen, according to a report by Reuters, which cited two sources “involved in the talks.”
Envoys from Saudi Arabia and Oman are set to visit Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, next week to negotiate a “permanent ceasefire deal” with the Iran-aligned Houthi officials, ending an eight-year conflict.
The talks are an indication of progress in Oman-mediated discussions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement, which are taking place alongside United Nations (UN) peace efforts.
The discussions, the report said, are focused on a full reopening of Yemen’s ports and airports, payment of wages for public servants, a rebuilding process, and a political transition.
If an agreement is reached, it could be announced before the Eid holiday, which is expected to start on April 20.
The talks come after Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore relations last month, following years of hostility and backing opposite sides in Middle Eastern conflicts, including Yemen.
“Oman, which shares borders with Yemen, has been trying for years to bridge differences between Yemen’s warring parties, and more broadly between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the United States. A permanent ceasefire in Yemen would mark a milestone in stabilising the Middle East,” Reuters said.
In an additional sign of progress in Yemen’s peace efforts, the Saudi-led coalition lifted eight-year-old restrictions on imports headed for Yemen’s southern ports, allowing commercial ships to dock directly there, including Aden, the Saudi-backed government said.
This follows the easing of restrictions in February on commercial goods entering the Houthi-held western port of Hodeidah, the country’s main seaport.
Over 500 types of goods will be allowed back in Yemen through southern ports, including fertilisers and batteries, after they were removed from a list of banned products.
The UN hopes to resume a peaceful political process that would lead to a transitional unity government if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
The Reuters report also added that UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg met with senior Omani and Houthi officials in Muscat this week and discussed ways to make progress towards an inclusive Yemeni-led political process, citing his office.
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