From TASS: Russia’s discussion with Yemeni Official (asking for help)

Media: Yemen looking to Russia to help restore peace

Russia maintains an active position on resolving the crisis in Yemen, as it remains in contact with both the internationally recognized government and the Houthis that control a large part of the country. On May 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Rashad Mohammad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, who had arrived in Moscow for an official visit.

The politician expressed hope that Russia would be able to help Yemen restore peace, order and security, Izvestia writes.

Yemen remains the theater of a complicated conflict. The Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) control the country’s north, while the Yemeni government recognized by the international community holds southern and eastern provinces. The Southern Transitional Council, based in the city of Aden, is the third center of power, competing with both the Houthis and al-Alimi’s government.

As for the current development of relations with Russia, there are three areas that interest Yemen the most, Yemeni economist Nazim Saleh said.

• First, Yemen could rely on Russia’s support within international organizations.
• Second, economic cooperation is important, particularly in the fields of energy and trade.
• Third, Moscow is capable of playing the role of a mediator in settling the Yemen conflict, as it maintains relations with various parties to the conflict.

In general, according to Saleh, Russia can become a factor of stability in the region and Yemen’s ally in terms of resolving domestic issues and ensuring the safety of international navigation.

Russia has always been willing to help settle the conflict in Yemen, both as a member of the United Nations Security Council and a country with extensive diplomatic experience in the region, Grigory Lukyanov, a researcher with the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies, told Vedomosti.

“Russia sees the country’s future not through ‘cancelling’ the Houthi movement, but through including its demands into the agenda of the negotiation process. Moscow could become one of the sponsors of a potential solution, provided that other actors are also interested in that,” the expert noted.