In a resounding scandal for the Houthis, a European Union spokesman confirmed, on Wednesday, that no talks or coordination had been held with the Houthis regarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, after a Houthi leader announced holding “constructive talks” with the bloc, with Norwegian mediation and coordination.

European Union spokesman Peter Stano told Al-Sharq TV: “We deny that we have carried out any coordination with the Houthis for the safe passage of commercial ships through the Red Sea,” adding that “the European Union is firm in its condemnation of the Houthi attacks, which we recently expressed on January 12.”

Earlier, on Wednesday, Hussein Al-Ezzi, the Houthi leader responsible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Houthi coup government, said in a press conference in Sanaa: “We held constructive talks with the European Union, with Norwegian mediation and coordination, regarding the situation in the Red Sea,” adding: “The Europeans were informed that the shipping routes in the Red Sea are safe, and that 283 ships crossed the Red Sea safely during this week.”

Al-Ezzi stated that only ships belonging to the United States, Israel, and Britain are prohibited from sailing in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, accusing America of “militarizing the Red Sea” and turning it into a “war zone,” which led to “a decrease in the number of ships crossing the important international corridor.” The link between the continents of Asia and Europe, as he claimed.

Al-Ezzi considered that the European offer “was great,” without mentioning its details, and said that the group “rejected it” because of some conditions, which he claimed were “contrary to their principles.”

The European spokesman said that the Houthi attacks “constitute a violation of international law, threaten maritime security, navigational freedoms and global trade, and endanger the lives of sailors. They also cause serious and unacceptable damage to trade and to countries and peoples in the region.”

Stano believed that the Houthi attacks “must stop immediately, as was emphasized in the Security Council resolution adopted last January 10,” stressing that “this is a very clear message that is constantly being sent to the Houthis.”

"We informed the Yemeni government"

Stano spoke to Al-Sharq about the “Aspides” mission of the European Union naval forces, saying that “the European Union is making wide-ranging diplomatic efforts to inform partners and relevant stakeholders of the jurisdiction and goal of the new naval operation Aspides,” stressing in particular its “character.” Defense and protection of freedom of navigation

The European Union announced, on Monday, the launch of the “ASPEDS” mission, noting that it aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, by working with international partners.

The European spokesman said that European Union foreign policy representative Josep Borrell “informed Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak last February 2, during a meeting in Brussels, about plans to launch a new European Union naval operation in the Red Sea and the limits of its jurisdiction.”

Stano added: “They also briefly discussed the situation in Yemen and the European Union’s long-term support for the Presidential Command Council, the Yemeni government, and the UN-led peace efforts,” noting that “the head of the European Union delegation accredited to Yemen maintains mutual and regular talks with all interlocutors.” Yemenis, including the Houthi leadership.”

The spokesman said, “The European Union affirms its commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and its support for President Rashad Al-Alimi and the Presidential Leadership Council.”