The long-time former Yemeni leader, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has addressed the Saudi-led coalition forces during his TV speech, urging them to turn a "new page" in relations after almost three years of the civil war by ending attacks on Houthi rebels and lifting a blockade imposed on the country.
"We vow to our brothers and neighbours that, after a ceasefire is in place and the blockade is lifted… we will hold dialogue directly through the legitimate authority represented by our parliament," Saleh said.
READ MORE: First UN Aid Vessel Arrives in Yemen Amid Saudi-Led Blockade
Reacting to the Saleh's speech, the Saudi-led coalition has reportedly expressed confidence that he would return to the Arab fold, though accusing him of betrayal of the country's neighbors by joining the Houthi-led forces.
The Houthi movement has also responded to the Saleh's statement, accusing him of the deception.
"Saleh's speech is a coup against our alliance and partnership… and exposed the deception of those who claim to stand against aggression," a Houthi spokesman said in a statement carried by the rebels' Al Masirah TV.
The Saudi-led coalition has started an operation in Yemen in 2015 at the request of the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels allied with Saleh forced him into exile.
Clashes in Yemen's Capital
At the same time, the clashes between the forces, which have been allies in the fight against the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition, have been underway during the last four days, with residents reportedly claiming there is a kind of "street war" with loud explosions heard overnight across the city.
Local military sources told Sputnik that the Houthi rebels had already withdrawn from most parts of the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, "where now Republican Guard, special task forces, and forces of Central Security Organization loyal to Saleh are deployed."
