Iran-backed Houthis want a peace that fulfills their terms

Despite the international and regional moves and efforts to end the war in Yemen and push the political parties to reach a lasting and comprehensive peace, the statements of the leaders of Iran-backed Houthis came to reaffirm that the peace they seek is the one that fulfills their terms and enables them to preserve their military and economic gains. Anything less than that is a new round of war that is being prepared for.

The statements of the Houthi Defense Minister, Mohammed Nasser Al-Atifi, are completely contradictory to the positive developments in the Yemeni crisis, especially the completion of the exchange of about 900 prisoners earlier this month, and the ongoing steps to restore diplomatic and economic relations between the Saudi Arabia and Iran. "We have prepared the weapon of force and strategic deterrence, and we have equipped the legions of the armed army with the faith and Yemeni identity". Al-Atifi said during his visit to the front lines in Hays in the coastal governorate of Hodeidah (western Yemen) on April 24.

The Houthis seek "surrender" and not peace, which they are trying to impose, taking advantage of the efforts of the countries of the region to resolve the conflicts that have erupted since 2011. The Houthis defense minister said, "They will not ask for a truce after that, but rather we will make them rush to Sana'a subservient to peace and surrender".

Giving the political and military map and the situation since the Houthis took control of Sanaa and several provinces in September 2014 and the subsequent war in late March 2015, there is no indication on the horizon that the Houthis will implement Security Council resolutions, most notably Resolution No. 2216, which calls them to engage in political negotiations after withdrawing from Sanaa and the provinces, handing over weapons and camps to the army, releasing prisoners and detainees, and giving up the enormous economic gains that created a new class of wealthy people who belong to the Houthis.

In his recent briefing to the Security Council, the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned that "these achievements are not enough. Yemeni men and women continue to suffer unimaginably every day. Recent developments are a reminder that escalation can quickly reverse hard-won gains that have been arduously made".

He expressed "concern about the recent military operations in Marib, Shabwa, Taiz and other governorates."

The UN envoy stressed that any new agreement in Yemen must be a clear step towards a Yemeni-led political process. It must include a strong commitment by the parties to meet and negotiate in good faith with each other.