Berlin Conference Urges Seizing the Opportunity for Peace in Yemen

Tim Lenderking, Heiko Maas and Martin Griffiths met in Berlin on Monday, alongside other envoys. (Reuters)
Tim Lenderking, Heiko Maas and Martin Griffiths met in Berlin on Monday, alongside other envoys. (Reuters)
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Berlin Conference Urges Seizing the Opportunity for Peace in Yemen

Tim Lenderking, Heiko Maas and Martin Griffiths met in Berlin on Monday, alongside other envoys. (Reuters)
Tim Lenderking, Heiko Maas and Martin Griffiths met in Berlin on Monday, alongside other envoys. (Reuters)

The German capital, Berlin, brought together on Monday high-ranking officials from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as Germany, Sweden, Kuwait and the EU for a conference dedicated to supporting international efforts for ending the war in Yemen.

At the meeting, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths called for “seizing the opportunity” for a diplomatic solution as world powers held virtual talks.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas criticized the violent military campaign mounted by Iran-backed Houthi militias against the Yemeni oil-rich governorate of Marib.

Although summit participants did not release an official statement, both Maas and Griffiths had reaffirmed that the main objective behind the high-level meeting was to garner international support for peace efforts in Yemen.

Meanwhile, the US State Department said that Washington’s Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking would discuss the need for “an immediate end to the offensive in Marib.”

“Lenderking will also meet with representatives from the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, Kuwait, Sweden and the EU to discuss the importance of reaching a lasting solution to the war in Yemen, including a resumption of political talks and an immediate end to the offensive in Marib,” a statement by the State Department read.

“The group will also discuss steps the international community can take to mitigate the suffering of the Yemeni people, including additional humanitarian assistance and follow-through on past pledges,” it added.

The statement also mentioned that Lenderking will visit the Gulf region on April 14 for meetings with senior government officials in coordination with Griffiths. This will be Lenderking’s fourth trip to the region since being appointed as special envoy in February.

“Discussions will maintain the focus on joint international efforts to promote a peace agreement and efforts to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen,” revealed the State Department.

The legitimate Yemeni government, backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, has voiced its willingness to reach a political solution to the years-long war.

The Houthis, however, continue to escalate their cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and their offensive in Marib.



Lebanon to Increase Army Personnel Ahead of Possible Deployment South of Litani

Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)
Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)
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Lebanon to Increase Army Personnel Ahead of Possible Deployment South of Litani

Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)
Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)

The Lebanese government has approved funding to recruit 1,500 new military personnel in the Lebanese Army as part of an initiative to increase military presence along the southern border, amid Israel’s ongoing hostilities.
The funds will be provided to the Ministry of Defense as an advance, a decision highlighted by the Minister of Information for its political and international significance, particularly in relation to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the caretaker government emphasized that continued and escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon amount to crimes against humanity. He stated that a primary pathway to a resolution involves halting hostilities against the country, fully implementing Resolution 1701, and electing a new president to restore institutional order, stability, and initiate reconstruction.

Mikati condemned what he described as an international failure to stop Israel’s actions against Lebanon, which include attacks on towns and villages, civilian deaths, and strikes against medical and relief personnel.
“We condemn and hold the international community responsible for the continuation of Israel’s genocidal war on Lebanon, its destruction of towns and villages, killing of civilians, assassination of army personnel, and targeting of medical teams, civil defense, relief teams, and journalists.
“Additionally, the attacks on UNIFIL, which represents international legitimacy, make targeting UNIFIL an assault on the international community and the Security Council. This destruction continues to affect hospitals, schools, and educational centers,” stated Mikati.
On the international front, Mikati highlighted the solidarity shown by world figures, referring to his discussions with leaders like Jordan’s King Abdullah, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Britain’s Prime Minister. This was further demonstrated during the Paris Conference in Support of Lebanon -late on October- he underlined, specifically thanking France for its humanitarian efforts and military support.
But he added: “But unfortunately, Israel is blatantly disregarding all international efforts to achieve a ceasefire.”
The prime minister reiterated Lebanon’s stance on safeguarding its dignity and sovereignty across air, sea, and land, pledging to confront any Israeli violations.
Following the cabinet meeting, Minister of Information Ziad Makari assured that funds to recruit 1,500 additional soldiers are available and that the government encountered no issues regarding this allocation.
Nasser Yassin, the government’s Emergency Committee coordinator, announced that the cabinet approved fuel allocations for 541 shelters in mountainous regions over 300 meters in altitude to ensure winter heating. Yassin also detailed efforts concerning the people displaced as the result of the Israeli hostilities in Lebanon.
He highlighted that there are 44,000 families in 1,138 shelters and an additional 147,000 families housed within communities.