Omani FM, Yemeni counterpart meet to discuss Yemen’s state solution

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyed Badr Al-Busaidi met with his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak in Muscat to discuss the international efforts aimed at achieving a state solution in Yemen, sources told Al-Arabiya TV.
The Yemeni minister arrived in Muscat on Saturday. He said his visit, which is part of his Gulf tour, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The delegation's arrival, which would have required approval from Riyadh, demonstrates something of a step forward in negotiations. The Houthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire agreement.
Oman, which borders both Yemen and Saudi Arabia, is a close US ally but at the same time has good relations with Iran. It has regularly played the role of mediator in regional conflicts.
Muscat has hosted UN special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths and US envoy Tim Lenderking in recent weeks, while Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Abdul Salam in Oman in late April.
On Monday Griffiths urged rival Yemeni forces to "bridge the gap" to reach a ceasefire, following talks in Sanaa with Houthi members.
Israel’s defense minister on Thursday warned Yemen’s Houthis will suffer heavy blows if they continue to fire at Israel and that its de…
A ceasefire deal between Yemen's Houthis and the U.S. does not include sparing Israel, the group said on Wednesday, suggesting its shipping attacks…
The United States and Yemen's Houthi rebels have reached a ceasefire agreement, mediator Oman announced Tuesday, saying the deal would ensure "free…