Barran Press
UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded a visit to Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen, on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
A brief statement released by the envoy's office on X (monitored by "Barran Press") stated that Grundberg met with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and discussed the "urgent need for constructive dialogue aimed at de-escalation across Yemen."
Grundberg expressed "concern over the situation of detained UN staff," reiterating the UN Secretary-General's call for their immediate release.
On Wednesday, Grundberg concluded a visit to Muscat, where he held meetings with senior Omani officials. He expressed his "appreciation for Oman's role in strengthening UN efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen."
In a Telegram statement, monitored by "Barran Press", Grundberg also revealed a meeting with Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator, Mohammed Abdul Salam, emphasizing the "urgent need for de-escalation across Yemen."
He stressed the "importance of putting the interests of Yemenis first," calling for "constructive dialogue." Grundberg renewed the UN Secretary-General's "urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of detained UN staff (held by the Houthis, numbering 17)."
On December 23, 2023, the UN announced that Yemeni parties had reached understandings to commit to a set of measures, including 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, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023.