The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has welcomed an offer of talks by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh whose forces have been fighting against it. A coalition statement said the decision to take the lead and to side with their people will free Yemen of militias loyal to Iran. <br/><br/>Mr Saleh said he would be ready to turn the page if the coalition lifted a blockade and halted its attacks. But Houthi rebels, his allies until this week, accused him of treason. The group's leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, accused Mr Saleh of being allied with the Saudis, a position he said was suspicious, but now it is flagrant.<br/>'<br/><br/>The Houthis are backed by Iran but have been Mr Saleh's allies against the internationally-recognised government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi since 2014.<br/>'''''''<br/>