France calls for more pressure on Houthis to end attacks on Saudi Arabia

France has called for increased pressure on Yemen’s Houthi movement to stop attacks across the region, particularly on Saudi Arabia. The statement came as Paris was asked whether it supported the European Union designating the Houthis as a terrorist organisation, a move Saudi Arabia is seeking.

French foreign ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said European governments had concerns that such a designation could hinder a future peace process. Separately, the UN Security Council unanimously extended Yemen-related sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, for another year and demanded an end to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Gulf Cooperation Council welcomed the resolution.