Politics1 min read

France calls for more pressure on Houthis to end attacks on Saudi Arabia

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The diplomatic push comes as Saudi Arabia lobbies the European Union to formally list the Houthis as a terrorist organization. European officials note that this proposed move currently faces hesitation over worries it could derail potential peace talks. Simultaneously, the international community reinforced existing economic measures against the faction. The United Nations Security Council recently passed a unanimous resolution extending Yemen travel bans and asset freezes for an additional year while demanding an end to regional strikes.

Key points

  • The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to extend Yemen-related sanctions f…: The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to extend Yemen-related sanctions for an additional year.
  • Existing international penalties against the Houthis include asset freezes alongside trav…: Existing international penalties against the Houthis include asset freezes alongside travel restrictions.
  • Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi commended the UN resol…: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi commended the UN resolution for reinforcing the global stance against Houthi strikes.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

France called for greater pressure on Yemen's Houthis to end their attacks in the region, particularly against Saudi Arabia.

"Our position is that it is necessary to increase pressure on the Houthis so that they put an end to their unacceptable attacks and provocations, particularly against Saudi territory, but not only there," spokesperson for the French foreign ministry Pascal Confavreux told a news conference on Friday.

He was responding to a question on whether Paris backed the idea of the European Union designating the Houthis as a terrorist organisation.

Saudi Arabia is pressing the EU to make the designation, but has yet to overcome European concerns that it could undermine a future peace process, Reuters reported, citing six European officials.

Also on Thursday, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to extend Yemen-related sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, for another year, while demanding an end to the group's attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed the resolution on Friday.

"This resolution represents a significant step in consolidating the international stance that rejects the treacherous Houthi attacks,"…

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