RIYADH: A Saudi envoy said on Monday afternoon in New York, that the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen will reopen some of the country’s ports and airports within hours, though a key aid port will not be opened until Riyadh succeed to curb weapons smuggling.
The government-held ports in Aden, Mukala and Al-Mokha, as well as airports in Aden, Seiyun and Socotra, would be opened “within the next 24 hours.” Riyadh’s ambassador to the UN, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, told reporters.
“We would like to confirm that steps are being taken by the coalition… to start the process of reopening airports and sea ports in Yemen to allow for the safe transfer of humanitarian actors and humanitarian and commercial shipments.” he said.
The ambassador added that other ports, including Houthi-controlled Hodeidah will stay shut until a UN verification regime is studied to ensure that the Houthis receive no arms.
