Sanaa: Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba affirmed, in her interview with 'Asharq Al-Awsat' newspaper said that restoring state institutions and bringing all weapons under state authority constitute the foundation for achieving lasting peace in Yemen. She stressed the connection between the country's stability, regional security and the safety of international shipping, particularly through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.Al-Zouba said that the Yemeni government had entered a new phase aimed at restoring the state and ending the control of the Houthi militias, after concluding that repeated attempts at de-escalation had failed to produce a sustainable settlement. She explained that peace remained an option, but that any settlement must ensure the unity of the Yemeni state and must not allow the Houthis to retain independent weapons or political authority outside its institutions. She added that the government's objective was to restore constitutional institutions and ensure that decisions on war and peace res ted exclusively with the state, rather than merely sharing power among the various political parties.The minister stressed that Yemen's security was linked to the security of neighbouring countries and international trade routes, calling for international support to be translated into practical programmes to strengthen the Yemeni government's military, maritime, economic and humanitarian capabilities.She described the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Yemen's principal strategic supporter, referring to its multifaceted political support. She said the government also enjoyed growing international support, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan and members of the UN Security Council. She called for stronger implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, particularly the arms embargo, and for action against weapons suppliers, financiers, smugglers and intermediaries involved in supply networks.Regarding areas being retaken by the government from the Houthis, she said the priorities included establishing security, activating civilian administration, paying the salaries of public employees, rehabilitating infrastructure, reconstruction, the return of displaced people and reviving economic activity.She affirmed her rejection of revenge and collective punishment, stressing that civilians in areas under Houthi control remained the responsibility of the Yemeni state, and that safe return and amnesty would be available under established procedures.Regarding the attack carried out by the Houthi militias on Aden airport on 7 October 2026, Al-Zouba described it as a terrorist attack targeting civilians. She called for accountability, stronger protection of civil aviation and measures to prevent civilian infrastructure or flights from being used to support military activities.The minister affirmed that the political process remained open, provided that any settlement restored constitutional government and equal citizenship and did not legitimise an armed authority paralle l to the state.