Jeddah, January 14, 2021, SPA -- The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the United States of America's decision to blacklist the Houthi rebels in Yemen as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, the OIC's Secretary-General, asserted that this decision would contribute positively to the efforts of Martin Griffiths, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, to reach a political solution to the Yemeni crisis and put an end to the terrorist attacks committed by the Houthis in Yemen and against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. "It is a crucial step to strengthen the efforts geared to combat terrorism and stem its financing at the international and regional levels, as these terrorist rebels, supported by regional entities and groups, pose real risks to international peace and security," added Al-Othaimeen. The Secretary-General expressed the OIC's appreciation of this strategic decision that enhances its efforts to fight terrorism and confront terrorist groups and extremist ideologies. This blacklisting will foster the existing political efforts and force the Houthi group's leaders, also blacklisted as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), to engage in serious peace talks and honor any agreements, which may ensue. In this regard, the OIC refers to the statements, resolutions, and decisions issued by the Islamic summits and the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the latest of which is the resolution adopted by the Emergency CFM of the OIC's Member States on 21 January 2018, which affirms the threat posed by the Houthi rebels group to regional and international security. The OIC also renews its support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen to reach a permanent political solution to the Yemeni crisis as per the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the Yemeni national dialogue, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. --SPA 16:01 LOCAL TIME 13:01 GMT 0012 www.spa.gov.sa/w1484136