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US to Reverse Terrorist Designation of Yemen's Houthi Rebels

VOA News

   U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that he would revoke
   designations of Yemen's Houthi movement as a terrorist group.

   Blinken said in a statement the group would no longer be designated a
   foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated international
   terrorist group effective February 16.

   "This decision is a recognition of the dire humanitarian situation in
   Yemen," Blinken said.

   The announcement reversed actions taken by the Trump administration and
   signaled a policy shift by President Joe Biden.

   The Biden administration hopes the revocations will help ease the
   world's worst humanitarian crisis, as it also ramps up diplomatic
   efforts to end Yemen's six-year civil war.

   'Very welcome'

   U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reacted positively to Blinken's
   announcement, saying, "We hope that helps build momentum for a
   political solution to the conflict in Yemen. I think the reversal of
   the [Houthi] designation, the naming of the [U.S.] special envoy, and
   the clear, clear language from the top of the U.S. administration, from
   President Biden himself, expressing his strong support for the U.N.
   mediation and political peace process, are very welcome indeed."
   Dujarric expressed optimism that ultimately a nationwide cease-fire
   could be reached.

   The Iranian-backed Houthi movement has clashed with Yemen's globally
   recognized government that is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.

   U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned last month that if
   Washington's terrorist designations of Houthi rebels were not reversed,
   they could drastically affect aid imports and push the already
   desperate country into a large-scale famine.

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