Russia Calls on US to Revoke Decision to Designate Houthis As Terrorist Group

On Thursday, Russian Permanent Envoy to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia called on the United States to revoke its decision to designate the Iranian-backed Houthi movement as terrorists before it comes into effect on January 19.

[caption id="attachment_201596" align="alignnone" width="750"] Russia Calls on US to Revoke Decision to Designate Houthis As Terrorist Group[/caption]

"The US decision to designate the Houthi movement as a terrorist organization risks not only seriously exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the country but also undermining UN efforts to launch negotiations between the warring sides. Given the fact that this decision has not yet entered into force, we would urge the United States to review it," Nebenzia said during a UN Security.

Earlier today, three top United Nations officials all called on the United States on Thursday to revoke its decision to designate Yemen's Houthis a foreign terrorist organization, warning it would push the country into a large-scale famine and chill peace efforts.

U.N. Yemen mediator Martin Griffiths, U.N. aid chief Mark Lowcock and U.N. food chief David Beasley issued their warnings during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Yemen.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the move against the Iran-aligned Houthis on Sunday. It will come into effect on Jan. 19, the last full day in office of President Donald Trump's administration.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.

The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million and pushed Yemen to the brink of starvation.