Houthis remain in safe areas fearing further attacks, Reconciliation Committee lacks flexibility [Archives:2007/1070/Front Page]
Mohammed Bin Sallam
SA'ADA, July 22 ) Tribal sources revealed that the Yemeni-Qatar mediation committee have failed to reach a solution pleasing to Houthis, whose main requests were the provision of adequate safety and security from future attacks by state loyalists. The committee also failed to free the villages of Houthi loyalists from state control, causing Houthis to demand safe areas to protect themselves as well as their families against any attacks launched by the state army or supporting tribes.
According to media sources, Houthi leaders are attempting to convince members of the executive committee to take control of these areas without interference of the army or any other state institutions. These areas span about 72km. The committee did not accept the proposal of the Houthis and refused to negotiate on the matter.
State authorities announced that Houthi leaders in Sa'ada governorate are still stalling in executing the agreement signed by the two parties at the beginning of this month. The state claims that Houthis are breaching the cease-fire agreement.
However, some members of the committee reported that fulfillment of the agreement reached 50 percent. The agreement included ceasing fire, ending battles between the two sides as well as handing over of weapons and exchanging captives. It also stipulated the removal of road disconnections as well as returning state-owned weapons to security officials.
Members of the Yemeni-Qatar mediation committee, concerned with supervising execution of the agreement, announced that they have achieved adequate progress in the evacuation of sites controlled by Houthi loyalists during the last few months, as well as confiscation of medium-sized weapons. They further stated that Houthis can return to their villages peacefully.
Nine sub-committees formed by the main reconciliation committee are in charge of supervising the cease-fire agreement as well as ensuring the evacuation of Houthis from mountain regions and reclaiming state arms taken by Houthis. Additionally, these committees are responsible for providing safe access for Houthis to return to their houses.
The Ministry of Defense accused the Yemeni Socialist Party (YSP) of offering logistic support to the Houthis. The ministry went on to say that the YSP along with its media supporters should be of concern to political and national leaders, because of the party's dangerous intentions and perspectives.
The political editor of the organization, 26 September, an army stronghold, urged all political powers especially the Yemeni congregation party, Islah, to stand against those who want to incite feuds harming the welfare of the country.
An official source also warned of so called “players with fire,” whether from within the YSP or from other than them, pointing out that they will opposed by all the Yemeni political parties as well as the independents.
The editor of Al-Wahdawi.net stated, “The technique of dealing with authority in creating wars and ending them must be changed because it is the main reason behind triggering wars and conflicts in the country. The investment of wars as well as trafficking of citizens' blood is not a national act. It is a big crime and those who commit them must be held accountable.”
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