U.N. Chief: Negotiations Remain Only Option for Resolving Yemeni Crisis

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon on Thursday noted that Saudi Arabia was carrying out air strikes in Yemen but steered clear of asserting whether the military action was in line with international law.

Ban recalled that the Saudi intervention was at the request of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who is considered the legitimate head of state by the U.N. Security Council. 

The secretary general recalled that the Security Council has called on countries to refrain from external interference and to support the political transition in Yemen.

In a statement, Ban "notes that, despite the escalation, negotiations remain the only option for ultimately resolving the Yemeni crisis."

Ban spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal earlier in the day, spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters.

Warplanes from a Saudi-led coalition bombed Huthi Shiite rebels Thursday in support of Hadi, who headed to an Arab summit to garner support.

Yemen has been sliding deeper into turmoil since the Huthis launched a power takeover in Sanaa in February, forcing Hadi to flee to the port city of Aden.