French Foreign Minister Discusses Developments in Yemen with His Yemeni Counterpart

Paris, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held talks today with Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zoubi in Paris on the dangerous repercussions of Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Barrot strongly condemned the destabilizing acts and attacks carried out by the Houthis amid the escalation of their military offensive, particularly the two attacks that targeted the presidential palace in Aden on October 15 and 30. The statement added that Barrot viewed these actions as a threat to Yemen’s security and stability, as well as to the region, and expressed France’s full support for the legitimate Yemeni government. Barrot stressed, according to the statement, the necessity for the legitimate government to exercise its sovereignty over all Yemeni territory, and he strongly condemned the Houthi siege of the city of Taiz. Barrot considered this a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, reaffirming France’s continued commitment to supporting the Yemeni people through its humanitarian aid and cooperation activities with the legitimate authorities in the country. The statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of resuming a comprehensive political process under UN auspices when the time is right, as it remains the only path to a lasting resolution of the conflict. (End) M.B. / M.A. H.A.