NEW YORK: Britain’s Deputy UN Ambassador Peter Wilson said Britain continues to support Saudi-led military action against the Houthis in response to “a legitimate request” from President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

Wilson said it’s extremely important to remember that the current crisis was caused by the Houthis repeatedly violating cease-fires and taking military action instead of genuinely engaging in political talks.

“The only way out of this crisis is a return to genuine political talks on an equal basis and not using force,” he said.

His remarks came as Russia urged the UN Security Council to call for a “humanitarian pause” in the conflict in Yemen to help diplomats and civilians caught in the fighting.

Russia called an emergency meeting of the council and circulated a draft resolution demanding “regular and obligatory” breaks in airstrikes by a Saudi-led military coalition against Houthi terrorists to allow the evacuation of foreign personnel. It makes no mention of a halt to fighting by the Houthis.