عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Interviews

British Ambassador to Yemen: The West Has Forgotten the Reason of War

British Ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron (Asharq Al-Awsat)
British Ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

British Ambassador to Yemen: The West Has Forgotten the Reason of War

British Ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron (Asharq Al-Awsat)
British Ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The newly-appointed British Ambassador to Yemen, Michael Aron, said that the public opinion in the West has forgotten the reason that had started the war because of the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Stressing the deployment of strenuous efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the Yemeni population, Aron noted that the war started with a coup perpetrated by a small group of Yemenis, in reference to Houthi militias, adding that there was no need for an Iranian role in Yemen.

The ambassador said he believed that efforts initiated by the new UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, would yield “real results to resolve the Yemeni crisis this year,” adding that the envoy would travel to Sanaa and Aden this week to listen to the opinion of the different sides before returning to New York to attend a Security Council session on April 17 and meet with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

On the Saudi role, Aron said: “I think it was clear in the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Britain that the Saudis want a solution to the problem and, in my opinion, the Saudi role is very important in this regard as Saudi Arabia supports the solution and the political process but cannot accept to live under the threat of ballistic missiles from a neighboring country.”

“They also want security along their borders, and they reject any role for Iran in Yemen and we support them in all these concerns, and it is very important to agree on these matters,” he added.

Asked about the guarantees that would make the militias accept a new peace initiative, especially with the outcome of the Kuwait negotiations, where the legitimate government signed the international peace agreement and offered many compromises, while the Houthis rejected the agreement, the British ambassador stressed that Yemenis living in areas controlled by Houthis would not accept the continuation of war.

“So I believe that with the efforts of the Special Envoy and the help of the international community, the problem can be solved this year,” Aron stated.

He emphasized that the Yemeni file was a priority for the British government, which he said was helping the UN efforts and the special envoy.

He noted that Griffiths, of British nationality, was an independent employee who has been appointed to assume this post due to his technical expertise.

“We support his efforts… I am optimistic and I think the opportunities in the coming months are real and not just words,” Aron said.

The British ambassador presented an overview of his country’s humanitarian support to Yemen.

He said that during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Britain has offered 205 Million GBP in aid, which makes the country the second largest donor of financial aid.

He also underlined British support to the efforts of the United Nations, expressing satisfaction with the appointment of Lise Grande as the new UN humanitarian coordinator in Sanaa.

“We are working with the Coalition and neighboring countries to bring aid through the port of Hodeidah. I believe that easing sanctions on the Houthis could be a confidence-building step and would allow the distribution of aid to all Yemenis without any sanctions from both sides,” Aron noted.

The British ambassador highly valued the humanitarian plan launched by Saudi Arabia to support the Yemeni people and the central bank. He also praised efforts deployed by the Yemeni legitimate forces, backed by the Coalition, to fight terrorism on Yemeni territories.

Asked about Iran’s negative role in Yemen, Aron said: “I do not think there is a need for an Iranian role in Yemen. I spoke to the Yemenis and they do not want any role for Iran in their country. The relationship between the Houthis and Iran is new, and is not welcome by Yemenis.”

“So if the Iranians say they want peace in the region and Yemen and they are sincere in that, they should withdraw and stop their military assistance to the Houthis, which is an important part of solving the problem,” he stated.

Most Viewed

 
 
Interviews

Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
TT
TT

Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”