EU Ambassadors to Visit Yemeni Interim Capital, Aden

EU Ambassadors to Visit Yemeni Interim Capital, Aden
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EU Ambassadors to Visit Yemeni Interim Capital, Aden

EU Ambassadors to Visit Yemeni Interim Capital, Aden

Yemen’s newly-formed government is urging the European Union (EU) to follow in Washington’s footsteps and label Iran-backed Houthi militias as terrorists. EU ambassadors are expected to visit Aden in a show of support for the cabinet after it had been targeted by a deadly Houthi attack.

Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik, in a statement on Monday, affirmed that the US administration's decision to designate Houthi militias as a foreign terrorist organization will serve as a constructive move that presses for peace in Yemen.

The EU must build on Washington’s move to advance the Yemeni peace process, he added.

Abdulmalik gave no details on the anticipated visit of EU ambassadors to the interim capital, Aden, but an EU diplomat confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the envoys were making arrangements for the trip.

“A specific date hasn't been set yet, but we're working on it,” the diplomat said.

Addressing fears of the Houthi designation negatively affecting humanitarian relief operations in Yemen, Abdulmalik vowed that the government is keen on reducing any impact.

The prime minister expressed the government’s commitment to protecting humanitarian work in Yemen during a videoconference meeting he held with the head of the EU mission in the war-torn country.

“We are fully aware of the fears that some express about the impact blacklisting the Houthis may have on the humanitarian, relief, and commercial work in Yemen,” he said, adding that the government has a “clear” vision on how to deal with any disruption.

The head of the EU mission, for their part, renewed their condemnation of the deadly attack that targeted Aden International airport last December shortly after a plane carrying the ministers of the newly formed government had landed.

EU ambassadors who attended the meeting also reiterated their support for the Yemeni internationally recognized government in the context of implementing practical plans that include a number of sectors and promote merging humanitarian and development aid, the official Saba News Agency reported.



Lebanon Braces for Repercussions of Iran-Israel Conflict

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari and Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian meet at Dar al-Fatwa. (Markazia)
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari and Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian meet at Dar al-Fatwa. (Markazia)
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Lebanon Braces for Repercussions of Iran-Israel Conflict

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari and Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian meet at Dar al-Fatwa. (Markazia)
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari and Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian meet at Dar al-Fatwa. (Markazia)

Lebanon remained on high political alert amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as officials worked to assess and contain the potential repercussions of the conflict on the country’s fragile stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari and Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian emphasized the importance of Lebanon distancing itself from the conflict.

President Joseph Aoun is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and received briefings on the latest developments and the regional and international diplomatic efforts underway to defuse it.

Aoun is in continuous contact with security leaders, in line with the outcomes of a national security meeting held at the Baabda Palace on Saturday, said a statement from the Lebanese presidency.

The president also oversaw efforts to facilitate the return of Lebanese nationals stranded abroad after airlines canceled flights to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport and neighboring countries closed their airspace due to the rising regional tensions.

Saudi Ambassador Bukhari met with Grand Mufti Derian at Dar al-Fatwa to extend Eid al-Adha greetings and congratulate him on performing the Hajj upon invitation from the Saudi royal protocol.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss Lebanese and regional affairs.

According to a statement from Dar al-Fatwa’s media office, the officials stressed the need for Lebanon to disassociate itself from the Iran-Israel conflict.

They underscored the urgent need for intensified Arab and international diplomatic efforts to curb the language of war and restore rational dialogue. They warned of the dangerous political, economic, and environmental consequences the continued fighting could have on the region.

Despite ongoing Israeli attacks in parts of Lebanon and repeated violations of UN Resolution 1701, the country, they said, must pursue security, peace, and stability.