The Yemeni government is counting on the help of UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo to “correct the mistakes” of UN envoy Martin Griffiths in handling the peace process in the war-torn country. “Our government hopes that DiCarlo’s visit to Riyadh would help correct Griffiths’ course of action in Yemen and his mission, which should be based on implementing UN decisions, mainly resolution 2216,” government spokesman Rajeh Badi told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday. DiCarlo will visit Riyadh on Monday and Tuesday to meet with Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, in addition to Saudi and Yemeni officials to discuss regional peace and security issues, including the situation in Yemen. Badi said Griffiths’ recent positions, including the “theatrical” alleged withdrawal of the Iran-backed Houthi forces from the three ports of Hodeidah and his continuous leniency with the militias in their stalling in implementing the Stockholm agreement, are the main reasons that obstructed the political efforts towards reaching comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen. Last month, Hadi addressed a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in which he criticized Griffiths’ performance, saying he was legitimizing the Houthis in Yemen. Griffiths has failed to properly oversee the Stockholm agreement struck last year for a ceasefire and withdrawal plan for the port city of Hodeidah, and has not dealt with issues surrounding detainees and hostages, added Hadi. Badi said the government’s positions on peace in Yemen are clear and constant, and they are based on the three references, namely the Gulf initiative, the national dialogue outcomes and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. “We have dealt positively with all peace initiatives and we also offered many concessions with hopes to save the Yemeni people from Houthi militias and to restore stability and security in the country,” he added. DiCarlo’s visit to Riyadh comes before Griffiths is expected to present a briefing on Yemen before the Security Council on June 17.