Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg stressed on Thursday that a sustainable solution to the crisis in Yemen can only be achieved by the Yemenis themselves.
Grundberg concluded on Thursday a visit to Riyadh where he met senior Yemeni, regional, and international officials and diplomats.
Discussions focused on next steps to facilitate an agreement on measures to improve living conditions in Yemen, a nationwide ceasefire, and an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process under UN auspices, said a statement from the envoy’s office.
Grundberg met with Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi to discuss the progress of UN peace mediation efforts. He stressed that Yemen is going through a critical juncture that still has the potential of bringing Yemenis closer to the just peace they aspire for.
Alimi was briefed by Grundberg on his contacts with local, regional and international officials and UN efforts to renew the nationwide truce and resumption of the UN-sponsored political process.
For his part, Alimi briefed the envoy on the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ violations of rights and freedoms and their violations on various battle fronts.
He underscored the PLC and legitimate government’s support to the UN efforts to resolve the conflict based on the agreed upon national, regional and international references.
He underlined the importance of pressuring the Houthis to prioritize the interests of the people over those of their leaders and supporters. They must also be pressured to seriously approach ongoing efforts to renew the truce to ease the humanitarian suffering of the people and revive hope that security and stability can be achieved.
Grundberg also held a meeting with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem AlBudaiwi. They agreed on the need for continued regional accompaniment to Yemen through peace and recovery.
He also met with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohamed Al Jaber to explore ways to sustain concerted regional and international efforts to resume a viable political process facilitated by the UN.
Grundberg had discussions with the P5 Ambassadors to Yemen on the need for continued UN Security Council consensus in support of a sustainable, inclusive political solution in Yemen that meets the aspirations of Yemeni men and women.
“A sustainable solution to the conflict in Yemen can only be forged by Yemenis. The parties need to come together with others in an inclusive format to build a peaceful future together,” stated Grundberg.
“The UN is committed and ready to provide this platform once the parties take the decisive steps that are needed to make this vision a reality,” he added.
On Wednesday, Alimi and five members of the PLC met in Riyadh with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
They hailed Saudi Arabia’s support to the Yemeni people and its initiatives and ongoing efforts to renew the truce and kick off a comprehensive UN-sponsored political process.
