On the situation in Iraq, the UN secretary general expressed hope that a comprehensive settlement be reached after the liberation of Mosel, hopefully the influential groups come together in Iraq and share respect to each other and living in one country. On the Saudi-US relations, Al-Jubeir said the relation is an historic one with deep roots going back to decades and are deepening more and more as we tend forward. He described the relation between the two friendly countries as strong. He said there are many common view points with the United States as regards some international affairs and dealing with numerous challenges that face the region. There is a good knowledge of the major players in this field, he said. We are effectively dealing with the challenges of the region and work together for combating terrorism, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda to preserve our joint interests, he said, citing the interference of Iran in some important issues around the world, as well as the importance of trade and investment. As for the Syrian crisis, Al-Jubeir confirmed that there is no Saudi military effort in Syria. As for the Syrian opposition, the matter is being led by an international coalition, he said, adding that the role of the Syrian opposition is important in Syria. On the visit of U.S. president Donald Trump to the Kingdom, the Saudi foreign minister said there are several files, like terror combating, maritime security and other issues, waiting for our concerted work to tackle them, noting that there are serious ideas dealing with reforms. Commenting on Houthi militias statements that negotiations have turned to be dead, Al-Jubeir said this thing is attributed to their behavior, noting that more than 70 agreements have been concluded with the Houthis and Saleh and none was met. Also understanding have been reached with them on several matters but in vain, he added. He recalled how the Houthis usurped power in Yemen from the legitimate government in Sanaa which requested the UN assistance to restore its legitimacy with the coalition responding to their request and intervened. He said war in Yemen would continue to flare up because the Houthi militias and Saleh have rejected to respond to the international will and to the UN Security Council resolution No. 2216 which stipulates their withdrawal from cities, surrender of heavy and medium weapons, quitting the ministries they are occupying, applying the GCC initiative, and the outcome of the national dialogue, confirming the efforts being exerted by the UN envoy have been foiled by the behaviors of the Houthi and Saleh but not by the legitimate government or the coalition countries. He drew the attention to the acts of the Houthi militias and Saleh, citing robbing the humanitarian assistance, besieging of cities and villages leading to starvation in Yemen in addition to recruiting children in wars, behaviors he depicted as crimes of war. He noted that the Kingdom and its allies are keen to continue sending humanitarian assistance to all parts of Yemen, work to put a plan for rehabilitation of Yemen and preserve the safety, security, unity and stability of Yemen. --More 22:23 LOCAL TIME 19:23 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w330930