Yemen's information minister meets US envoy on Houthi abuses
Al-Awlaki urged more international attention to Houthi abuses and proposed expanding media cooperation and journalist training with the United States.
Yemen's Information Minister Salem Thabet al-Awlaki met US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Neil Hop on Sunday to discuss developments in Yemen and media cooperation, the news agency of Yemen's internationally recognised government Saba (Government) reported.
During the meeting, al-Awlaki said the Iran-backed Houthi militias were escalating military action and continuing crimes against civilians.
He also pointed to the Houthi siege of Taiz, which he said had caused severe humanitarian conditions for residents.
Al-Awlaki said such abuses required greater international attention and stronger efforts to document them and bring them to public notice.
He argued that the media could counter Houthi disinformation and incitement, and said the ministry would strengthen ties with independent outlets and build the skills of its staff.
The minister said he wanted to expand cooperation with the United States, including journalist training and access to American expertise in media performance.
He commended US support for Yemen in humanitarian and development work and for international efforts to achieve peace, security and stability.
Hop congratulated al-Awlaki on his appointment as information minister, stressing the media's important role amid Yemen's exceptional circumstances.
Hop said the focus should be on facts and reliable information, shedding light on Houthi violations against civilians and promoting press freedom.
He also called for stronger communication with international media outlets to ensure accurate reporting and draw attention to humanitarian challenges in Yemen.
Yemen has been locked in a civil war since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, a conflict that has left millions of people in need of humanitarian aid.
