In Yemen, Houthi leader seeks dialogue

The leader of Yemeni fighters in the north, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, says he is ready to engage with opposition leaders to put an end to 'corruption and injustice' in the country.

"We are ready for dialogue, to respond positively to all national initiatives and to stand alongside all honorable people wanting to save the country from corruption and injustice," al-Houthi said in a statement Saturday.

The leader, however, did not specifically mention the possibility of dialogue with the government, which launched 'Operation Scorched Earth' on August 11 against the Houthis in northern provinces, AFP reported.

The government accuses Houthi fighters of seeking to restore a religious leadership, an allegation which has been repeatedly denied by the fighters.

Citing Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdessalam, AFP reported that the fighters would accept "Yemeni or Arab" mediation "for a dialogue with all political parties in Yemen including the government."

"We have no objection to neutral mediation," said Abdessalem, adding that it is up to the "government to decide to continue or to halt the war."

He also vowed that the group "will respond to all aggression with the resources we have available."

Mohammad al-Sabri, a member of the opposition alliance, meanwhile said a ceasefire must precede the start of talks. "We cannot start dialogue while the war is continuing," he said.

The government has so far announced two separate ceasefires, both of which lasted for a few hours.