Barran Press
President of the Presidential Council, Rachad Al-Alimi, has called on the United Kingdom to channel all approved international funding for Yemen through the Yemeni Central Bank in Aden. During a meeting with British Ambassador Abdo Sherif on Sunday, May 26th, Al-Alimi stated that this move would "strengthen the bank's presence in monetary policy management and enhance the position of the national currency."
Al-Alimi expressed gratitude for the UK's increased commitment to addressing the needs of the Yemeni people, particularly in food and healthcare. However, he stressed the need for further support to match the growing humanitarian and service obligations.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing conflict in Yemen, with Al-Alimi highlighting "grave human rights violations" committed by the Houthi group. He condemned the Houthis' military escalation and their attacks on oil facilities, which have had "catastrophic repercussions." Al-Alimi called for international action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering caused by Houthi piracy and attacks on maritime shipping.
The Yemeni President reiterated his commitment to a comprehensive and just peace based on agreed-upon national, regional, and international references, praising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts in this regard. He also expressed openness to initiatives that alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, blaming the Houthi group, supported by Iran, for the current crisis.
Al-Alimi discussed with the Ambassador the UK's support for the Yemeni Coast Guard forces and joint efforts to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, and organized crime. He emphasized the need for punitive measures to deter Houthi militia violations of international humanitarian law and relevant resolutions.
The call for funding through the Central Bank comes as the UK announced an increase in its food aid to Yemen to £139 million. The British Foreign and Development Office stated that the funds will be provided through partners such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and other organizations. The UK will also provide cash transfers to support food security for up to 864,000 people and aid 500 healthcare centers with medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements for 700,000 malnourished children.
This announcement follows a recent visit to London by the internationally recognized Prime Minister of Yemen's government, during which he met with British officials to discuss areas of support in the humanitarian, development, and defense sectors.