Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the UN confirms Houthi presence in Saudi Arabia for Yemen talks

Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Nations, speaks with “UpFront”:

• Reveals that a delegation of Houthis were hosted in Saudi Arabia for negotiations and “it resulted also in a reduction of tensions on the borders and in an exchange of prisoners”

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera English’s current affairs show, ‘UpFront’, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Nations, for the first time confirmed recent press reports that two Houthi representatives attended secret peace talks in the Kingdom earlier this month.  

“There was a delegation from the Houthis in the kingdom,” Al-Mouallimi told “UpFront” host Mehdi Hasan, referring to the Yemeni group.

“It resulted also in a reduction of tensions on the borders and in an exchange of prisoners,” he revealed.

 His comments came as a spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition announced that major combat operations were coming to an end.

“We will continue to open our arms and our hearts to the possibility of dialogue with everybody,” added Al-Mouallimi.

However, the Saudi ambassador to the United Nations, also reiterated to “UpFront” that if the Yemeni government “ask us to continue the military campaign, of course we will.”

Ambassador Al-Mouallimi’s wide ranging interview with “UpFront’s” Mehdi Hasan covered the conflict in Yemen, Saudi support for Syrian rebel groups, the rise of ISIL and human rights in the Kingdom.

The full interview will be available at www.aljazeera.com/upfront from Friday 25th March at 19.30GMT

***ENDS***

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

This UpFront interview with Abdallah Al-Mouallimi airs on Friday March 25th at 19:30 GMT

If using quotes please credit Al Jazeera English and ‘UpFront’ and please add this link to online copy www.aljazeera.com/upfront

UpFront broadcasts on Fridays at 19.30 GMT. 

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