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.
