Western ambassadors in Yemen are hoping to persuade the Aden-based government into giving concessions that advance proposals made by UN envoy Martin Griffiths on halting military operations to free Hodeidah and resuming negotiations with Houthi militias, Yemeni sources told Asharq Al-Awsat. Sources said that Western diplomacy, driven by Houthi and some international organizations’ claims on humanitarian fallout, seeks to impede military progress made by pro-government forces towards the city of Hodeidah. With that being said, joint operations led by army troops, pro-government popular resistance and the Saudi-led Arab Coalition have pushed towards the strategic port city in hopes of replacing its control in the internationally-recognized government’s hands.  Houthis have been persistent in exploiting Hodeidah ports to threaten international Red Sea navigation and smuggle Iran-sent artillery and ammunition.  Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid Bin Daghr kicked off his Riyadh visit several days ago.  Bin Daghr, in his visit, heads a committee charged by Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi with holding a series of scheduled meetings with a number of Western ambassadors to discuss UN proposals for peace.  However, the government delegation stated clearly that the framework for peace has nonnegotiable peace talk references, such as the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes, and all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216 [2015]. In the meantime, Yemens official sources reported that Bin Daghr discussed with US Ambassador Matthew Toler UN plans for Hodeidah and government efforts to combat terrorism in Yemen, in addition to curbing the increasing Iranian role played in supporting Houthi militias. On the other hand, Bin Daghr praised US positions for supporting the Aden-based government headed by Hadi against an appalling and violent coup waged by Iranian-backed Houthis. Addressing living and security situation in liberated provinces, especially in the temporary capital of Aden, Daghr pointed out they have witnessed a notable improvement in services and safety. Hadi’s government has issued a score of orders on launching infrastructure projects.  Nevertheless, government efforts to reboot development are weighed down by scarcity of resources caused by the unjust militia-waged war.  Meeting with the US ambassador, Bin Daghr pointed Houthi militias seized 840 billion riyals (a dollar is 495 rials). With only 140 billion riyals being spent over Yemenis living under Houthi captivity, a staggering 700 billion riyals were pumped into the insurgents’ war agenda.