Barran Press
On November 12, 2024, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, announced that he met with senior Omani officials and the spokesperson for the Houthi group, classified as a terrorist organization, in Muscat. The meeting included Mohamed Abdul Salam, head of the Houthi negotiating delegation.
According to a brief statement from Grundberg's office shared on social media platform X, the discussions focused on necessary measures to address Yemen's economic crisis, improve living conditions, and respond to regional developments. The talks also explored ways to reinforce commitments toward a comprehensive political process in Yemen.
During the meeting, Grundberg called for the "immediate and unconditional release of all UN staff and other arbitrarily detained individuals."
In December of the previous year, the UN announced that Yemeni parties had reached understanding to commit to a series of measures that included a nationwide ceasefire, steps to enhance living conditions, and preparations to resume an inclusive political process under UN auspices.
However, efforts toward peace in Yemen have stalled due to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, which have intensified since November.
On August 13, 2024, Council member Othman Majli stated in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that "peace efforts have stalled on the part of the Houthis, with proposals remaining only on paper." He added that the Houthis continue their violations, including smuggling equipment for digging, stockpiling weapons, and creating unilateral battles at various fronts.
Regarding the position of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, Majli noted that it is "acting wisely, taking into account the plight of the Yemeni people who have suffered from the Houthi coup, which has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, economic collapse, currency devaluation, and the exacerbation of crises exploited by the Houthis."