Germany has adopted a careful and calm diplomatic approach in Yemen since the eruption of its conflict. German Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Schneider explained that Berlin is approaching the Yemeni file from a comprehensive perspective that takes into account the complexities of the region.
It is focusing on helping the Yemeni people find the right way forward in achieving stability in their country, he told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview.
Appointed to his post in August, he expressed Germany’s deep concern over the attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militants against shipping in the Red Sea and their abduction of United Nations staff.
He called on the Houthis to reassess their choices and to decide whether they want to be partners in peace or continue along the path of conflict and division.
Yemen needs a strong and united government, he urged. The international community needs an effective Yemeni partner it can rely on.
He therefore called on the Yemeni parties to discuss their internal disputes to reach settlements and agreements that can allow them to move forward together effectively.
On coordination with Saudi Arabia, Schneider said the Kingdom plays a central and pioneering role in the Arab and Muslim worlds. Its stance on Yemen is very important for Germany.
A solution to the crisis in Yemen cannot be reached without Saudi Arabia, he stressed.
On Iran, Schneider said it must not be a threat to its neighbors or the international community, adding that if it truly wanted to bolster regional stability, then Yemen was the ideal place to prove its good intentions.
He added that Iran is the Houthis’ top backer and so it must ask itself what type of role it wants to play in the region: does it want to be part of the solution or part of the problem?
Germany has disputes with Iran over a number of issues, such as its nuclear file, but it is still an important country in the region, he acknowledged.
It needs to act in a way that does not threaten its neighbors or the world, he urged.
Historic ties
The ambassador said Yemen and Germany boast very old, deep and historic ties. They enjoy close cooperation when it comes to development with several German development agencies and institutions active in Yemen.
Today, Berlin is focusing on helping the Yemeni people find a way to move forward and revive their country, Schneider told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Germany has its interests too, he went on to say. It is concerned with ensuring the security and safety of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It is also concerned with illegal migration that passes through Yemen to Africa and then Europe.
First and foremost, however, Germany is concerned with the security of the Yemeni people and it is working on ensuring that no food crisis or famine take place because of the current situation, Schneider said.
Peace or conflict
Asked about Germany’s position on the Houthis and its control of the capital, Sanaa, the ambassador replied that Berlin has been following the situation in Yemen. He said it was unfortunate that the conflict had been militarized and that the Houthis had seized large swathes of the country.
He urged a quick settlement of the conflict. Everyone responsible for Yemen must work together to end the violence and turn to a peaceful solution to the crisis.
However, it seems that the Houthis are unlikely to opt for such a solution, lamented the envoy, expressing his deep alarm over their attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Such attacks are categorically unacceptable, he declared, as is the abduction of UN staff.
The staff are there to help the Yemeni people; they represent the international community. How can someone who commits such acts be viewed as a partner for peace? asked Schneider.
He therefore called on the Houthis to reassess their choices and decide whether they want peace or if they want to prolong the conflict and division.
