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.
