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Contact With Houthis Needed to Initiate Peace Talks - Gulf Research Center

© AP Photo / Hani MohammedSupporters of Houthi Shiites, who took over the government of Yemen and installed a new committee to govern, listen to a live speech by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi
Supporters of Houthi Shiites, who took over the government of Yemen and installed a new committee to govern, listen to a live speech by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi - Sputnik International
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Contacting Yemen’s opposition Houthis would be the key to starting reconciliation talks in the country, Gulf Research Center Foundation Director Christian Koch told Sputnik.

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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Koch argued that Yemen is too diverse for one group to be able to dominate it, and the Houthis, who are overestimating their strength at present, would be wise to accept a reconciliation talks offer.

US State Department Spokesperson Jeff Rathke said at a press briefing on Thursday that the United States does not have direct contact with the Houthis, but has indirect ways of communicating with them.

“The situation could escalate further and Yemen could face a period of continued political turmoil,” Koch said on Thursday.

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“In order to avoid such a situation, contact needs to be initiated with the Houthis to urge them to accept the offer of peace and reconciliation talks and join other members of the Yemeni community to talk about way forward,” he added.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia launched military operations against the Houthi, who currently control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt, among other mostly Arab nations, joined the Saudi-led coalition.

Koch noted that by starting the military operation, Saudi Arabia sent a clear message of defying any interference by outsiders on the Arabian Peninsula, such as Iran’s support for the Houthis.

The military campaign came in response to Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi’s request for support. Hadi is reportedly hiding abroad at present.

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