UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has hailed the China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran on the restoration of diplomatic relations.
Allow me to also take this opportunity to welcome the recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic ties, which was facilitated by China. This dialogue and good neighbourly relations are important for the region and for Yemen,” Grundberg told the UN Security Council in a briefing on Wednesday.
He emphasised through video link that the parties must use the opportunity given by this regional and international momentum to take meaningful actions towards a more peaceful future.
“This requires patience and a long-term perspective. And this requires courage and leadership. Much has been achieved over the past year and now is the time to take the next steps.”
According to Grundberg, Yemenis have witnessed nearly a year of decreased levels of violence since a truce went into force in April 2022. In addition to the relative peace, components of the truce are still being implemented, benefiting Yemeni livelihoods. Yet, the advances are still weak, according to the Xinhua news agency.
He stated that it is critical to build on the truce’s achievements and strive towards a statewide cease-fire and an inclusive political settlement to end the crisis in Yemen.
Yemen has been at war since late 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi militia took key northern cities and drove the Saudi-backed Yemeni government from the capital, Sanaa. In 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen to help the Yemeni government.
