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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)
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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.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.