Australia has called for a ceasefire in Yemen amid concerns over civilian deaths. The airstrikes led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen is seeking to stop the advancing rebels known as the Houthis. The rebels have earlier forced Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to go to Riyadh.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged for renegotiations to put an end to the deteriorating situation in which “countless civilians” are being subjected to misery. He said hundreds of people were killed in a conflict that could possibly cause long-lasting “regional repercussions.”

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop shared the same view in calling for a ceasefire. She believes all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen should go back to the negotiating table.

The Australian government is specifically concerned about the welfare of civilians caught between the conflict and urged armed groups to show restraint.

“Australia recognises the legitimacy of the government of President Hadi and calls upon the Houthis to return to the negotiating table. Political dialogue is the ultimate solution to the current crisis and all parties need to engage in negotiations in support of Yemen’s long-term stability,” said Bishop. The Australian foreign minister is expected to visit Iran within the week.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of providing military support to the rebels in Yemen. Iranian leaders have called for a ceasefire and accused Saudi Arabia of committing genocide.

Bishop said Australia has acknowledged the legitimate interests of Yemen’s neighbouring countries in maintaining regional security and the important role the Gulf Cooperation Council has played in providing support for Yemen in recent years.

Bishop has reiterated the travel advice of the Australian government calling for citizens to leave Yemen immediately. She added that the government’s ability to assist Australians in Yemen have become limited. The Australian foreign minister is expected to use her visit to Iran to lobby for the country to allow the return of asylum seekers who were rejected by Australia as refugees. Iran has previously refused to accept the “forcible return” of asylum seekers.

Bishop is also planning to discuss nuclear issues and other relevant regional matters with her counterpart in Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, and other officials in the country. Australia is part of the international coalition fighting ISIS in Iraq but it is not involved in the airstrikes in Syria.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had accused the U.S. of lying about the framework that would stop the nuclear program in his country, reports Radio Australia. He also criticised Saudi Arabia for bombing Yemen.

To report problems or leave feedback on this article, contact: r.su@ibtimes.com.au

RELATED STORIES