Yemeni FM, Swedish Counterpart Concede to ‘Ceasefire’ Significance for Humanitarian Relief

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency
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Yemeni FM, Swedish Counterpart Concede to ‘Ceasefire’ Significance for Humanitarian Relief

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Lindea, Saba News Agency

Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Mubarak and his Swedish counterpart Ann Lindea agreed on prioritizing the implementation of a ceasefire as a critical measure to advance humanitarian assistance efforts in the embattled country.

This followed serious warnings from Washington against the devastating impact of the protracted crisis in Yemen and the severe repercussions of insurgency-led offensives in the northeastern governorate of Marib.

Houthi militias, backed by Iran, have waged a military campaign against oil-rich Marib, where over a million internally displaced Yemenis have sought refuge from ongoing violence.

According to Lindea and Mubarak, humanitarian relief is vital despite the intricacy of warring rivalries in Yemen.

Lindea, after a quick visit to the eastern governorate of Hadhramaut, landed in the Omani capital, Muscat, where she labeled an armistice in Yemen as the “most valuable humanitarian measure.”

“In Muscat, I met Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam, talked about the humanitarian situation, ceasefire, political process. A ceasefire is the most important humanitarian measure,” tweeted Lindea.

“Parties should engage with UN without preconditions.”

“The war must end,” she reaffirmed.

During her trip to the eastern Yemeni region, the top Swedish diplomat met with Hadhramaut Governor Major General Faraj Al-Bahsani.

The two reviewed the current situation in southern Yemen and the importance of completing the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement as part of the comprehensive peace process.

They also discussed the role played by local authorities in achieving both security and stability.

Lindea confirmed Sweden’s commitment to helping Yemenis achieve peace, produce a clear vision for political and security realities, boost women engagement in activities across various fields.



Syria’s New Authorities: Syrian People Stand at Equal Distance from All Countries

This handout image made available by the Telegram channel of the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) early on December 17, 2024 shows Ahmed al-Sharaa, receiving the director of the Middle East and North Africa department at Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
This handout image made available by the Telegram channel of the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) early on December 17, 2024 shows Ahmed al-Sharaa, receiving the director of the Middle East and North Africa department at Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
TT

Syria’s New Authorities: Syrian People Stand at Equal Distance from All Countries

This handout image made available by the Telegram channel of the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) early on December 17, 2024 shows Ahmed al-Sharaa, receiving the director of the Middle East and North Africa department at Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
This handout image made available by the Telegram channel of the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) early on December 17, 2024 shows Ahmed al-Sharaa, receiving the director of the Middle East and North Africa department at Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)

Syria wants to contribute to "regional peace,” the country's new authorities said in a statement after a meeting between leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and a US diplomatic delegation.

"The Syrian side indicated that the Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region and that Syria rejects any polarization," the statement said.

In their first in-person meeting with the leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham since it overthrew Syria's long-time President Bashar al-Assad two weeks ago, al-Sharaa "came across as pragmatic,” Barbara Leaf, top Middle East diplomat at the State Department, told reporters.

"It was a good first meeting. We will judge by the deeds, not just by words," Leaf, who was the head of the US delegation, said in a briefing and added that the US officials reiterated that Syria's new government should be inclusive. It should also ensure that terrorist groups cannot pose a threat, she said.