Houthi negotiator says Red Sea attacks won’t deter Yemeni peace, praises Saudi ‘brothers’

Mohammed Abdulsalam, above, the chief negotiator and spokesperson of the Houthis, has called Saudi Arabia officials his ‘brothers’. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 09 February 2024
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Houthi negotiator says Red Sea attacks won’t deter Yemeni peace, praises Saudi ‘brothers’

  • Talks with Saudi officials via Oman ‘going well,’ said Mohammed Abdulsalam
  • Attacks in Red Sea will stop if Israel’s assault on Gaza ends, he added

LONDON: Mohammed Abdulsalam, chief negotiator and spokesperson of the Houthis, says that the recent meeting of the Sanaa delegation with Saudi Arabia officials has “resulted in overcoming the most important obstacles facing the roadmap” to peace.

These solutions were in line with those championed by the UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said Abdulsalam in a wide-ranging interview with Asharq Al-Awsat on Thursday.

Abdulsalam had previously called Saudi Arabia officials his “brothers” in a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat in January. He did so again on Thursday, and answered questions about peace initiatives, attacks in the Red Sea and regional and international relations.

Abdulsalam said the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea would only stop if Tel Aviv ended their assault on the Palestinian people.




Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber shakes hands with the political leader of the Houthis, Mahdi Al-Mashat in Sanaa. (X: @mohdsalj)

Abdulsalam believes that efforts at finding peace in Yemen “is going well, both since the start of the UN truce in April 2022, corresponding to the month of Ramadan at that time, and also through discussions with the Saudi side under Omani sponsorship, which are going well so far.”

Asked about the extent of the Houthis’ willingness to begin political negotiations that include power sharing, elections, and a new constitution, Abdulsalam said “the roadmap included everyone’s concerns, and highlighted the urgent humanitarian situation that the Yemeni people are suffering from.”

In a previous statement to Asharq Al-Awsat, Abdulsalam said that the Houthis’ Red Sea operations would not impact the peace initiatives. He said it was “necessary to respond to the urgent situation in Palestine, which represents a risk for regional, Arab and Islamic security.




Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense, meets with a delegation from Sanaa during their visit in Riyadh in September 2023. (SPA)

“It will affect us in Yemen if Israel dominates, eliminates or weakens the Palestinian people and its resistance. This will reflect negatively on everyone, aside from the religious and moral position towards this issue. Therefore, we consider that it is separate from the peace process so far and think that the statements of the West come as part of an attempt to pressure us to back down.”

Abdulsalam added: “The military operations in the Red Sea, which target Israeli ships as well as ships heading towards Israel, will continue until the aggression against the Gaza Strip ends and the siege is lifted by bringing food assistance into the north and south of the strip.

He said the Houthis were open to talks with Western powers on the Red Sea situation, under the “auspices of our brothers in the Sultanate of Oman.”

• This article originally appeared in Arabic on Asharq Al-Awsat


Ramadan Crescent moon sighted; first day of holy month on Saturday

Updated 11 sec ago
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Ramadan Crescent moon sighted; first day of holy month on Saturday

  • Lunar Islamic calendar, based on the sighting of the crescent moon, determines the beginning of the new month

RIYADH: The crescent moon signaling the start of Ramadan on Saturday has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting committee has announced.

Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday evening, the holy month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, will begin on March 1, Saturday.

The crescent sighting was observed across the Kingdom in observatories including Sudair and Tumair.

The Supreme Court on Thursday called on all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to sight the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening.

The court has said anyone who sights the Ramadan crescent with their eyes or through binoculars should notify the nearest court to their location and record their testimony there, or contact the nearest center so that they can be directed to the nearest court.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee usually observes the moon in the days leading up to the expected start date of Ramadan, but they have encouraged other Muslims who wish to sight the moon to do so as well.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset as part of the Islamic ritual that aims to encourage patience, charity, and community welfare.

It is the month of blessing in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Month-long fasting, from dawn to dusk, is one of the five pillars of Islam.

On the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, Muslims mark a turning point of their life where they aim to improve their spirituality, break bad habits instead of putting them on pause, supplicate, heal, give charity, sleep less, pray more and increase imaan – or faith – during this month of forgiveness.


Saudi Arabia rejects parallel government in Sudan, reaffirms support for stability

Updated 38 min 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia rejects parallel government in Sudan, reaffirms support for stability

  • Kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering support for Sudan’s security, stability, and territorial integrity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday rejected any unilateral steps taken outside Sudan’s official institutions that could threaten the country’s unity, including recent calls to establish a parallel government.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such actions do not reflect the will of the Sudanese people and could further destabilize the war-torn nation.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering support for Sudan’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.

Saudi Arabia urged all Sudanese parties to prioritize the national interest over factional divisions and to work toward preventing further fragmentation and chaos. The Kingdom also reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and achieving peace in Sudan, in line with the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023.

The statement comes as several members of the UN Security Council voiced concern over the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ decision to declare a parallel government.

The move, announced Sunday by RSF rebels and their allies, has sparked diplomatic tensions between Sudan and Kenya, where the agreement was reportedly signed behind closed doors.

US Representative John Kelley warned during a Security Council meeting on Wednesday that the formation of a rival administration in RSF-controlled areas risks deepening the conflict and could lead to the de facto partition of Sudan.

Kenya, which has been accused of recognizing the RSF’s proposed government, has denied any such endorsement.

The ongoing war between Sudan’s Armed Forces and the RSF has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed and millions displaced. Saudi Arabia has been actively engaged in mediation efforts alongside international partners to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis.


Saudi Arabia welcomes PKK founder’s call to disband militant group

Updated 48 min 46 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes PKK founder’s call to disband militant group

  • Kingdom expressed its solidarity with Turkiye and voiced hope that Ocalan’s remarks would translate into concrete steps

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday welcomed a recent call by Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party — PKK — for the militant group to disband and lay down its arms.

In a statement, the Kingdom expressed its solidarity with Turkiye and voiced hope that Ocalan’s remarks would translate into concrete steps toward enhancing security, peace and prosperity in the region.

Ocalan’s message, which was read out in Istanbul on Thursday, marked a historic shift in the decades-long conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state.

“All groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself,” he said in a declaration drafted from his cell on Imrali prison island, where he has been held in solitary confinement since 1999.

The call for disarmament comes four months after Turkish authorities extended an apparent olive branch to the 75-year-old PKK leader. The militant group has waged an armed insurgency against Turkiye since the 1980s, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Ocalan has played a central role in previous peace negotiations, including a ceasefire attempt in 2013, although previous efforts have failed to yield a lasting resolution. His latest appeal is being closely watched for potential implications on Turkiye’s security landscape and regional stability.


KSrelief runs project in Sri Lanka to combat blindness

Updated 28 February 2025
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KSrelief runs project in Sri Lanka to combat blindness

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief carried out its Saudi Noor Voluntary Project to combat blindness in Sri Lanka from Feb. 17 to 23.

KSrelief’s medical staffers examined 4,723 patients, performed 434 cataract surgeries, and distributed 967 pairs of spectacles, the Saudi Press Agency reported late on Thursday.

The initiative is a part of the humanitarian projects implemented by Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, to support healthcare systems across the globe.


The joy of Ramadan decorations: A family tradition in Saudi Arabia

Updated 28 February 2025
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The joy of Ramadan decorations: A family tradition in Saudi Arabia

  • Muslims in Saudi Arabia and other countries take great pride in adorning their homes with festive decorations
  • The tradition helps get the holy month underway and teach children about the significance of the occasion

RIYADH/JEDDAH: The family tradition of decorating homes for Ramadan is a way for many Muslims to embrace the spirit of the holy month and express their joy at its arrival.

Across the Kingdom, and all around the world, families take great pride and care in adorning their homes to create a warm and festive atmosphere in anticipation of the blessed occasion. Many streets and other public areas also come to life with vibrant, colorful displays featuring lanterns, stars and crescent moons.

Elham Mirza, a devoted mother and grandmother from Jeddah, exemplifies this festive spirit.

“Every Ramadan, my daughters and their children come to the house to help me decorate,” she told Arab News. “They get excited about the candies and decorations, and it’s a tradition that helps the children appreciate the significance of Ramadan.”

Her daughter, Roa, said: “I remember decorating with my mother when I was a child. Now I get to share that same joy with my own kids.”

This generational connection reflects the importance that many families place on passing down traditions. Many of the decorations Mirza and her family use come from traditional souks in Jeddah, in particular sellers in historic Al-Balad district.

“Shopping at the souk is part of the fun,” Mirza explained. “We find beautiful lanterns and intricate banners that really bring the spirit of Ramadan to life.”

Preparations for Ramadan begin weeks in advance, as decorating homes for the holy month has become a cherished tradition around the Kingdom. (AN PHOTO/Majdah Abu Laban)

The shopping trips to these local markets add to the experience, as families begin to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of Ramadan. Mirza considers the decoration ritual a fun way to instill important values in the younger generations, and the children seem to enjoy it as well.

“I love helping grandma,” said her grandson, Yousef. “It makes me feel closer to my family and reminds me of why we celebrate Ramadan.”

Majdah Abu Laban, a Saudi housewife from Jeddah, eagerly prepares her home for the holy month each year.

“I love the Ramadan vibes; it brings a special joy and gives me a wonderful feeling,” she said.

This year, she was particularly impressed by the extensive variety of Ramadan decorations in Jeddah’s stores.

“There are so many new additions, shapes and colors that are even more beautiful than in previous years, both in terms of design and materials,” she said.

“I’ve noticed a mix of Egyptian and Indian products alongside the traditional decorations, as well as new styles and color combinations, like gold with black, black with fabric on wood, and vibrant hues blended with gold, yellow, purple and blue. The options this year are more diverse than ever.”

Abu Laban enjoys decorating as a household activity that helps her family grow closer.

“I make sure to decorate my home for Ramadan not because it’s essential, but because it enhances the spiritual ambiance and brings joy to my family,” she explained.

“Each year I add new touches, whether by reusing decorations I’ve kept from previous years or introducing small, new elements without going overboard.

“My children love to participate, especially when preparing Ramadan giveaways and setting up the table for guests.”

Preparations for Ramadan begin weeks in advance, as decorating homes for the holy month has become a cherished tradition around the Kingdom. (AN PHOTO/Majdah Abu Laban)

Beyond the traditional generic decorations, such as lanterns, markets and stores now offer a vast selection of items tailored specifically to the season.

“Decorations are no longer just about lanterns; every year, more collections are released and online shopping now offers just as much variety as physical stores,” said Abu Laban.

Rather than sticking to a single decorative style, she enjoys experimenting with different looks throughout her home.

“Sometimes I dedicate a specific theme to a particular room or corner of the house, but overall I love variety,” she said. “This year, I was particularly impressed by the creativity in Egyptian Ramadan decorations, with many stunning designs.

“However, prices vary and some high-end decorations, like black-and-gold combinations with luxurious fabrics, can be quite expensive.”

Another important part of the essence of the holy month, Abu Laban said, is the fragrances that help to usher in a spiritual atmosphere.

“Beyond decorations, Ramadan wouldn’t feel complete for me without the scent of oud and incense, especially after Taraweeh prayers and iftar.” She said. “It also adds a beautifully spiritual touch to the home.”

Even after Ramadan ends, certain decorations continue to hold significance, particularly during the Eid celebrations.

“I do save some elements, like crescents, arches and stars, for Eid, and I also keep a few lanterns to use in future years, as they remain a beautiful symbol of this blessed month,” said Abu Laban.

Numra Sidiqui, a Pakistani expatriate, takes great joy in preparing for the holy month, and her mother also eagerly looks forward to the annual Ramadan decorating tradition.

“Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam, and when it arrives we feel immense happiness and pride,” Sidiqui said.

This year, in addition to her usual festive preparations, she is also planning to launch a series on her YouTube channel focusing on Ramadan, in which she will share her experiences of and insights into this special time.