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GCC Welcomes Latest Commitment to a Ceasefire in Yemen

A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)
A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)
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GCC Welcomes Latest Commitment to a Ceasefire in Yemen

A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)
A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. (EPA)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Sunday the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-aligned Houthi militias recently announced commitment to take steps towards a ceasefire.

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg made the announcement on Saturday.

“The Special Envoy will now engage with the parties to establish a roadmap under UN auspices that includes these commitments and supports their implementation,” said his office in a statement.

“The UN roadmap will include, among other elements, the parties’ commitment to implement a nationwide ceasefire, pay all public sector salaries, resume oil exports, open roads in Taiz and other parts of Yemen, and further ease restrictions on Sanaa Airport and the Hodeidah port. The roadmap will also establish implementation mechanisms and prepare for a Yemeni-owned political process under UN auspices,” continued the statement.

Albudaiwi hoped these measures will help reach a comprehensive political solution to Yemen that would bring prosperity, security and stability to the people.

He stressed the need to continue making efforts to support the efforts of the Yemeni people to reach a roadmap for the future to restore the country's stability, development and prosperity in order to achieve the aspirations of the people.

He expressed gratitude for the great and valuable efforts made by the United Nations, Saudi Arabia and Oman, which helped in securing these crucial measures on time. 

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Gulf

Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.