Yemen's Houthi movement chief negotiator, Mohammed Abdulsalam, said on Thursday (27 May) that he had met UN special envoy Martin Griffiths. The two had failed to meet earlier this month and Washington had strongly criticised the Houthis for their absence.
Abdulsalam said on Twitter he and Griffiths had discussed the need to speed up "the humanitarian agreement" by lifting an air and sea blockade, which would "pave the way for wider talks on a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive political settlement".
The Houthis' main demand has been the lifting of blockades of Hodeidah port and the capital's airport, both of which are under Houthi control but with restricted access due to the blockade. According to a plan put forward by Saudi Aarabia the reopening of entry ports has to be accompanied by a ceasefire deal. The Houthis say the reopening should come first.
Griffiths has also held consultations with Saudi officials to loosen restrictions on the movement of people and goods to and from the country and force the parties to the conflict to resume the political process to end hostilities.
Griffiths said that changing course is still possible now, but would become much more difficult if the war continues.
Griffiths' latest trip coincided with that of the US envoy Tim Lenderking who held talks on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. Lenderking criticised the Houthis for not engaging seriously in peace efforts but he also urged the coalition to remove restrictions on all Yemeni ports and airports.