Griffiths met with the Yemeni president to discuss the government’s views He praised the government in its efforts to restore stability in the south RIYADH: The UN envoy to Yemen confirmed his support to the internationally recognized legitimate government on Tuesday for its efforts in restoring stability in the south of the country. Martin Griffiths met with President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi in Riyadh to discuss the government’s views on his proposal for the implementation of the Hodeidah agreement. He praised the government in its “efforts to restore stability in the south and the need to respect Yemen’s state institutions.” Griffiths also thanked Hadi for his “constructive leadership on Hodeidah.” Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Monday formed a joint panel to support the cease-fire between Yemen’s government and southern separatist forces in Shabwah and Abyan. Security Belt forces loyal to the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) took control of some institutions in Aden on Aug. 10 following deadly clashes with government troops that killed at least 40 people. The tensions between the forces complicate the Yemen conflict as they are meant to be on the same side fighting against the Iran-backed Houthis. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the Yemeni government and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia both sent their views on Griffiths’ proposal for an immediate cease-fire and the joint redeployment of troops from the ports of Salif, Ras Issa, Hodeidah and its city. The UN envoy said the proposal was submitted to both sides in early August for consideration, “in order to generate the momentum required to implement the important and essential steps in the agreement.” Griffiths said the agreement, also known as the Stockholm agreement as it was agreed in Sweden in December, allows the two sides to enter into a broader political process and for the Yemeni government and the Houthi militia to reach a deal.