Barran Press
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has urged Saudi Arabia and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to adopt a unified approach in supporting his efforts towards a political process and ceasefire in Yemen.
Grundberg made the call during meetings in Riyadh with the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, and ambassadors from the five permanent members of the Security Council, according to a brief statement released by his office, monitored by "BArran PRess".
The discussions focused on efforts to de-escalate tensions in Yemen amid regional turmoil. Grundberg emphasized the importance of continuing to call for the release of detained UN personnel in all his meetings.
Last Thursday, August 15, the UN envoy presented his latest briefing to the Security Council, urging the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, to "act responsibly and compassionately towards the citizens of their country and release all detainees unconditionally."
According to the UN website, Grundberg stated that "in four days, on August 19, we will celebrate World Humanitarian Day... Yet, we are facing a crackdown on humanitarian and civil space in Yemen by Ansar Allah (Houthis)."
In his briefing, Grundberg highlighted the "regional escalation happening alongside real and pressing challenges within Yemen," which he said "need to be addressed." He added that "addressing the decade-long conflict in Yemen remains the focus of my efforts."
Regarding the "de-escalation agreement," Grundberg said: "Last month, with the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the parties were able to stop a dangerous cycle of escalation that was negatively impacting the banking and transportation sectors in Yemen and threatening to ignite a new military conflict."
He stressed the importance of working towards a unified currency, a unified central bank, and ensuring the banking sector remains free from political interference. He added that his office has prepared "options and a clear proposal and path to achieve these goals."
On December 23, 2023, the UN announced that the Yemeni parties had reached understandings to commit to a set of measures, including the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, measures to improve living conditions in Yemen, and engagement in preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process under UN auspices.
The roadmap and peace efforts in Yemen have stalled due to attacks by the Houthi group against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023.