Barran Press
The internationally recognized Yemeni government on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, expressed its welcome for the agreement announced by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen regarding the "reversal of recent decisions affecting banks and the banking sector, the resumption of flights through Sana'a International Airport, and their facilitation to other destinations as needed."
The government's statement, released by the official Yemeni news agency Saba, highlighted the difficult humanitarian situation facing the Yemeni people, particularly in areas under the control of the Houthi group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the international community.
The statement attributed the government's acceptance of the agreement to its "commitment to flexibility in implementing comprehensive economic and banking reforms, in response to the appeal of the national business community, and international and regional mediation efforts."
The government expressed hope that the agreement would create a favorable environment for constructive dialogue to end all destructive Houthi practices against the banking sector, the economy, and the national currency. It also emphasized the need for the Houthis to fulfill their commitments under the roadmap, including the resumption of oil exports.
The statement lauded the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in reaching this agreement, reaffirming their unwavering support for the Yemeni people.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the legal framework of the state, empowering the Yemeni Central Bank to manage monetary policy, safeguarding the banking sector and depositors, and mitigating the disastrous effects of the halt in oil exports on the national currency and vulnerable groups across the country.
The government stressed its "full commitment to not subjecting the Yemeni people in areas under Houthi control to further hardship due to the militias' unilateral policies."
It also emphasized its commitment to "enabling them to travel, which is a pressing need for thousands of patients, job seekers, and students, to alleviate the burden of the war ignited by the militias with support from the Iranian regime for ten years."
The government called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities by continuing to exert pressure on the internationally recognized Houthi group, urging them to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people and not subordinate them to the interests of their supporters. It urged the Houthis to engage in peace efforts led by Saudi Arabia and initiate a comprehensive political process that meets the aspirations of all Yemenis for the restoration of state institutions, security, stability, and development, in accordance with nationally, regionally, and internationally agreed-upon frameworks.
Earlier on Tuesday, the office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, announced an agreement between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi group on several de-escalation measures concerning the banking sector and Yemeni airlines.
Grundberg's office stated that it had received written confirmation from both parties confirming their agreement on "reversing recent decisions and measures against banks from both sides and refraining from any similar decisions or measures in the future."
The agreement also included the resumption of Yemenia flights between Sana'a and Jordan, with an increase in the number of flights to three per day, and daily flights to Cairo and India, or as needed.
The agreement also stipulated that meetings would be held to address administrative, technical, and financial challenges facing the company, and that meetings would begin to discuss all economic and humanitarian issues based on the roadmap. The statement noted that both parties requested UN support in implementing the agreed-upon measures.
Grundberg highlighted the important role played by Saudi Arabia in reaching this agreement, reaffirming the UN's readiness to work with both parties to implement the agreed-upon measures. He offered to facilitate communication with authorities in Jordan, Egypt, and India.
The UN envoy stressed the need for both parties to cooperate in building an economy that serves all Yemenis and supports the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process.