SAUDI ARABIA WELCOMES SAADA TRUCE

RIYADH, Feb. 16 (Saba) - Saudi Arabia has strongly welcomed the deal of the ceasefire between Yemen's government and al-Houthi rebels in Saada province, northern Yemen.

"We welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between the Yemeni government and the al-Houthi rebels as a first important step towards stability and security in Yemen as well as in the Arab world", Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud al-Faisal said in a press conference with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Clinton confirmed the importance of coordinating efforts to provide assistance to Yemen, pointing out that the U.S. government is committed to its obligations announced in the London conference on Yemen held January 27.

"We are committed to increased assistance to Yemen in order to address the political, economic and security challenges that Yemen faces, especially its efforts in fighting terrorism", said Clinton.

The ceasefire comes to prevent bloodshed and bring peace into the region and it is conditional upon the commitment of the insurgents to implementing the conditions on the ground.

The six conditions were:

- Al-Houthi commitment to ceasefire, eliminating landmines and leaving positions and hideouts.

- Rebel withdrawal from all districts in Saada and stopping interference in the local government's duties.

- Returning looted Yemeni and Saudi military and public equipment and properties.

- Releasing Yemeni and Saudi captives.

- Obeying the law and constitution.

- Pledging not to attack Saudi lands.

Saada has witnessed a sporadic six-year war between the government troops and al-Houthi rebels since 2004.

The last round of the war was erupted in August 2009.

MD/YA