Al-Houthi must apply the six points to halt military operations, Yemeni official

SANA'A, Feb. 01 (Saba)- Information Minister Hassan al-Lawzi has said that the National Defence Council had explored a host of issues relating to domestic policies and other issues, including al-Houthis' announcement.

"The council stressed that if al-Houthi made a commitment to apply the six points that the government had set out previously, the government does not see a reason why the military operations should not be halted according to specific and clear-cut mechanisms to guarantee that no further attacks will occur and to ensure peace", al-Lawzi explained.

He confirmed that the six points are a key condition to halt the military operations.

These points include a commitment not to attack Saudi territories and to hand over the abductees being held as hostages by the rebels.

Al-Lawzi said that al-Houthi's initiative did not comply with the six points, confirming it also did not address them.

"The key point is the need for him to start to implement the six points. A withdrawal must take place. A ceasefire must be called. The attacks must come to an end. Roads must be re-opened. The mines laid across sand roads must be cleared. And they have to come down from the mountainous areas. If these demands are translated on the ground, this will be a sign of credibility", the Yemeni official highlighted.

He pointed out that the Yemeni government's interests is to continue to fight al-Houthi rebels, rather than call for calm with them.

Hundreds of rebels have been killed since the army launched an expanded offensive against them last month. Many others were arrested and weapons were seized and destroyed as well.

YA