Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Rashad al-Alimi said in an interview with Sputnik that the problem with Yemeni movement Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, can only be solved by force.
"The world must realize that there are no other options except force, which the [Ansar Allah] formations understand well, to put an end to the protracted suffering of the Yemeni people," al-Alimi said.
Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between government forces and the Houthi rebels since 2014. The situation exacerbated in March 2015, when the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with the internationally-recognized Yemeni government, began conducting air, land and sea operations against the Houthis.
The main challenges faced by Yemen's current authorities are the ongoing economic crisis and precarious humanitarian situation, al-Alimi said.
"There is no doubt that the economic crisis and the humanitarian situation, aggravated by ... the Houthi attacks on oil facilities, are the constant challenges and priority issues for the PLC," al-Alimi said.
On May 28, al-Alimi paid an official visit to Russia and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
The Houthis have controlled northern Yemen and much of Yemen's Red Sea coast since 2014, surviving a years-long military campaign by a coalition of Arab states. The rest of the country is governed by the PLC.
More highlights from the Yemeni leader:
Efforts to normalize relations with the Houthis may result in continuous conflict unless they change their stance;
Yemen seeks Russia's help in building state institutions and improving technical and educational sectors;
Al-Alimi met with Russian President Putin to discuss security and political ties;
Yemen will engage with Russia at the upcoming Russian-Arab summit in October.