Barran Press
The Yemeni government has rejected a United Nations invitation to participate in economic talks with the Houthis in Muscat, Oman, at the end of June, citing a lack of clear objectives and ongoing Houthi violations.
Economist and researcher, Fares al-Najjar, described the UN's call for talks as "futile," arguing that the UN envoy, Hans Grundberg, has failed to establish specific parameters or key topics for discussion.
"The UN and its envoy want an open discussion, but the government cannot negotiate until the Houthis release detainees, who are classified as terrorists by the international community," al-Najjar told Barran Press.
He outlined the government's demands for the talks, emphasizing the need for the Houthis to cease unilateral actions, such as issuing their own currency and defying the Central Bank of Yemen's regulations.
"The government's first condition is the resumption of oil exports," al-Najjar stated. "The Houthis must stop their war on oil and oil ports, as well as their attacks on goods entering their controlled areas from liberated provinces."
On Monday, June 24, Yemeni Minister of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, Ahmed Arman, officially confirmed the government's rejection of the UN's invitation to discuss prisoner exchanges and economic issues in Muscat.
Arman stated that the government prioritizes halting the Houthis' arrest campaign, protecting aid workers, and securing the immediate release of detained aid workers. He accused the Houthis of continuing their arrest campaign, which began earlier this month, targeting aid workers from international and local organizations in Sana'a.
"The number of detainees has exceeded 70, including staff from UN agencies, international organizations, and local organizations, including five women," Arman said.
He urged all international organizations in Sana'a to leave immediately to ensure the safety of their staff and protect humanitarian aid operations, declaring that Sana'a is unsafe and lacks guarantees for their protection.
Arman called on the UN and its agencies operating in Yemen to address the situation and immediately close their offices in Sana'a, even temporarily, until the release of all employees detained by the Houthis.