Talks between Yemenis and Saudi Arabia, which has led a nearly month-long bombing campaign against the Iran-allied Houthi movement, must take place under the moderation of the United Nations in Geneva, he said.
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Tuesday an end to its bombing campaign in Yemen but a Saudi spokesman said forces would continue to target the Houthis as necessary.
"I call on all conflicting parties in all provinces to stop fighting and return to dialog in all provinces," Saleh said in an emailed statement.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the Houthis needed to stop fighting, which could lead to the end of Saudi air strikes and the opening of a political dialog.