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Swiss Foreign Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Agreement Is a Step for The Right Track in Yemen

Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (Asharq Al-Awsat)
    Fatehalrahman Youssef
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Swiss Foreign Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Agreement Is a Step for The Right Track in Yemen

Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stressed the importance of Tehran’s return to the negotiations on the nuclear program, hoping that its ongoing talks with Riyadh would have a positive impact on the region’s security and stability.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Cassis said that every agreement that supports de-escalation of the conflict and alleviates the suffering of the Yemeni people is a step in the right direction, noting that from this point of view stems the importance of the Riyadh Agreement.

In his statements, he stressed the importance of finding a comprehensive and peaceful solution for the future of Yemen, reiterating Switzerland's call on all parties to abide by international law and stop attacks on civilians. He also said his country calls on all parties to re-engage in negotiations to end the violence and find a political solution.

Underlining his country’s support to the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, Cassis said it is important that the international community, and in particular regional actors, work towards reaching a political solution to the crisis.

On the ongoing rounds of negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the official asserted that only a comprehensive understanding between the countries of the region would lead to peace, stability, and prosperity in the long run.

He noted that the ongoing talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran are a good sign.

Asked about talks on Iran’s nuclear program, Cassis said the JCPOA progress is an essential contribution to international security and non-proliferation.

He added that as a non-signatory, Switzerland does not participate directly in the Vienna process. However, the country welcomes the news about the imminent resumption of talks and hopes that this will lead to a speedy and full return to the commitments of all parties.

Regarding Libya, Cassis said the country has suffered from various conflicts for more than 10 years, stressing that the ceasefire agreement signed in Geneva in October 2020 was the first sign of hope.

He highlighted several achievements that took place, including what he described as the free and inclusive elections, which are expected to be held by the end of 2021.

According to Cassis, Switzerland has been supporting the UN-led peace process for many years and will continue to provide services and stand by Libya on its path to sustainable peace and unity.

On relations with Saudi Arabia, he revealed that his visit to Riyadh would touch on means to strengthen his country’s ties with the Kingdom and deepen development cooperation.

Noting that Switzerland has adopted a strategy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in October, he said that his visit would be largely devoted to the implementation of this strategy, which builds on Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of development cooperation.

Cassis said his country also seeks to highlight the opportunities available to Swiss companies in the Saudi market, as well as Switzerland's relentless pursuit to harness the potential of the young, well-educated workforce and work to promote digitalization and new technologies.

Asked about previous bilateral agreements and whether his visit to Riyadh would witness the signing of new cooperation projects, Cassis said he believes that through the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in addition to the double taxation agreement and the bilateral investment agreement, it is possible to say that relations with Saudi Arabia rest on a solid foundation.

On efforts to combat climate change, the minister stressed that Switzerland welcomed the efforts made by all countries to mitigate and adapt to climate threats.

He noted that climate change is an excellent example of a global challenge that can only be faced together.

Cassis also said that Switzerland and Saudi Arabia share many interests in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adding that priority topics included ways to improve water and health, address climate change, and enhance agriculture and food security.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.