Foreign Minister: The goal of “Yemen Dawn” is to end the coup and establish state authority over the entire national territory.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Emphasizes State Restoration Goals

The Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, confirmed that the government has entered a phase of state restoration after exhausting opportunities for de-escalation. She emphasized that any upcoming political process must lead to the end of the coup, the return of institutions, and the consolidation of weapons and decisions regarding war and peace under state control.

Focus on National Authority

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the minister stated that the current objective is to establish state authority over all national territory while preserving Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and independent decision-making. She clarified that the government has not abandoned peace; rather, it has moved away from the “illusion of peace that keeps weapons outside the state.”

Declaration of State Restoration

Dr. Al-Zouba explained that President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi’s declaration of state restoration stems from constitutional responsibility and aligns with the decisions of the National Defense Council. She noted that “Fajr Yemen” (Yemen Dawn) is not merely a military operation but a promise that the war will conclude with a state. She highlighted the support from political and community forces for the state project and the backing of the armed forces.

Peace Efforts and Houthi Response

The minister added that the state has provided peace efforts with full opportunities; however, the Houthi militia has responded with increased mobilization, escalation, and attacks on civilians, national facilities, neighboring countries, and international shipping routes. She affirmed that using force serves to protect citizens and enforce the law, while diplomacy complements these efforts by rallying political and humanitarian support and rejecting any dealings with the militia as a parallel authority.

Saudi Support and Strategic Coordination

Dr. Al-Zouba praised the political, military, and economic support from Saudi Arabia, stating that coordination with the Kingdom is close and ongoing, governed by a strategic partnership aimed at ending the coup and restoring the state. She commended the Saudi Cabinet’s full support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the government, as well as the backing from the Coalition to Support Legitimacy since the launch of “Fajr Yemen.”

Growing International Support

She also noted an increase in international support for state institutions, emphasizing that the effectiveness of this support hinges on the state’s ability to protect its citizens and restore its institutions. She outlined priorities for cooperation, including enhancing defensive and security capabilities, enforcing the arms embargo under UN Security Council Resolution 2216, and providing economic, developmental, and humanitarian support to the government.

U.S. Position on Houthi Withdrawal

Dr. Al-Zouba confirmed that the U.S. position is clear in supporting the government and its right to defend its people. She mentioned Washington’s demand for the Houthis to withdraw from the areas they have seized, halt Iranian support, and fully implement the arms embargo.

Regional Security and Maritime Navigation

The minister linked state restoration to regional security and international navigation, warning against selective Houthi reassurances regarding targeting ships. She asserted that freedom of navigation is a right for all nations, revealing that the militia has targeted over 100 commercial vessels since November 2023, causing significant human and material losses.

Commitment to Civilian Protection

In conclusion, Dr. Al-Zouba reiterated that protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law remains a steadfast commitment during and after operations. She stated that any solution must rely on established references, constitutional legitimacy, and equal citizenship, emphasizing that the core of the solution is to end the coup and restore institutions without sharing power with weapons.

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