UN Envoy Hans Grundberg warned that the expected US designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization could jeopardize the peace process in Yemen. He emphasized the importance of a political settlement for lasting peace, highlighted the dire humanitarian situation affecting millions, and urged international actors to avoid escalating military tensions.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed concern about potential setbacks to the peace process due to the anticipated US designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. He emphasized the importance of protecting peace efforts while seeking clarifications on this designation. Grundberg highlighted that a political resolution is crucial for the aspirations of the Yemeni people and emphasized its feasibility and pragmatism.
Discussing the regional context, Grundberg noted a fragile situation amid a ceasefire in Gaza. He observed that Houthis have halted attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and on Israeli targets, which he termed a positive development. He mentioned that the release of the Galaxy Leader crew held by the Houthis since November 2023 should be seen as a step towards de-escalation.
Despite some signs of de-escalation, he voiced concerns over UN personnel being detained by the Houthis, labeling these arrests as violations of human rights and a threat to humanitarian assistance efforts. Grundberg warned that military posturing and retaliatory actions could escalate tensions, jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire in Yemen.
Grundberg provided a bleak overview of Yemen’s economic crisis, indicating that both government and Houthi-controlled regions are struggling. He linked these economic challenges to a lack of sustainable political solutions, asserting that without peace, prosperity will remain unattainable.
He cautioned against believing that military escalation could produce better outcomes. He urged all parties to favor diplomatic solutions to reduce tensions in Yemen and the wider region.
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher painted a dire picture, stating that 19.5 million Yemenis require humanitarian assistance, highlighting severe hunger among children. He detailed alarming statistics regarding out-of-school youth and child malnutrition, stating that many children under five are dying from preventable diseases.
Fletcher also condemned the detention of UN staff, stressing the need for a safe operating environment for humanitarian workers. He called for prompt action from the Security Council to release detained UN personnel, ensure funding for humanitarian projects, and maintain essential goods supply to Yemen.
He warned that any significant disruption to supply lines could have disastrous consequences for vulnerable communities in Yemen, emphasizing that political and security decisions should not restrict access to essential services for civilians.
Overall, the comments from UN officials reiterate the critical need for a peaceful resolution in Yemen as a means to address the humanitarian crisis that 19.5 million people face. The potential US terror designation of the Houthis presents risks to the ongoing peace efforts, while continued military actions and detentions pose additional obstacles to humanitarian operations. Urgency in diplomatic engagement and support for humanitarian assistance is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Yemen.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
