Aden Launches Development ‘Battle’ in Freed Governorates

The swearing-in ceremony of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Asharq Al-Awsat
The swearing-in ceremony of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Aden Launches Development ‘Battle’ in Freed Governorates

The swearing-in ceremony of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Asharq Al-Awsat
The swearing-in ceremony of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Asharq Al-Awsat

A new battle for restoring Yemen was launched in the war-torn country’s interim capital, Aden. Yemeni officials are looking to rebuild the country and normalize the situation in different regions by unifying the ranks of national forces and taking the blessing of regional states and the international community.

Brigadier-General Tareq Saleh, Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), explained that Aden opens the horizon for a national coalition towards Sanaa, to restore Yemen.

“The first victory against Iran was in Aden,” said Saleh at the PLC swearing-in ceremony.

Yemeni Ambassador to Qatar Rajih Badi described the establishment of the PLC as a “historic” moment that won’t be erased from the people’s memory.

“Yemenis are pinning their hopes on what happened in Aden, to unite their ranks and direct their energies and capabilities in order to restore the state,” Badi told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that state restoration, whether in peace or by war, is the greatest goal of the PLC.

Badi noted that the PLC’s efforts have the support of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.

For his part, Marwan Noaman, the deputy permanent representative of Yemen to the United Nations, considered the return of the PLC and all state agencies to Aden a defining historical moment in the history of Yemen.

“Aden is once again witnessing a new historical stage in the present and future of Yemen by uniting the word of all Yemenis to restore the state, end the coup, achieve sustainable peace, stability and prosperity, and launch Yemen towards the bright future,” Noaman told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“There is great optimism among various segments of society in Yemen, and hopes are pinned on the country's new leadership in order to launch the process of development, economic recovery, and integration into the Gulf economy,” he added.

Moreover, a Yemeni official affirmed that “Aden has always been a symbol of peace, construction and civilization, and has embraced all Yemenis since ancient times.”

“The return of the PLC and the government means the return of life to all Yemenis,” said the official who requested anonymity.

They added that the coming days will witness a major development battle in liberated governorates.



Grundberg Concludes Visit to Sanaa, Urges Houthis to Deescalate Tensions, Release Detainees

Grundberg arrives at Sanaa airport, Yemen (AFP)
Grundberg arrives at Sanaa airport, Yemen (AFP)
TT

Grundberg Concludes Visit to Sanaa, Urges Houthis to Deescalate Tensions, Release Detainees

Grundberg arrives at Sanaa airport, Yemen (AFP)
Grundberg arrives at Sanaa airport, Yemen (AFP)

The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, urged on Thursday Houthi leaders to reduce national and regional escalation and release the detained UN staff and other humanitarian personnel.
The envoy stressed his determination to safeguard the progress made to date on the peace roadmap, which has been frozen since Houthis have stepped up their attacks against shipping routes in the Red Sea corridor.
Grundberg’s comments came on Thursday as he concluded a visit to Sanaa, his first to the Yemeni capital since May 2023.
The visit comes amid hopes that his efforts would prepare the ground for concrete actions for advancing the peace process in the country.
In a statement, Grundberg said he held discussions with senior political and military officials to renew engagement on the political process, focusing on addressing challenges and exploring possibilities for advancing peace within the region’s complex context.
During his meetings with Houthi leaders, the special envoy stressed the importance of national and regional de-escalation to foster an environment conducive to dialogue.
He urged the need for concrete actions to pave the way forward for a political process to achieve sustainable peace and stability across Yemen.
Grundberg’s discussions also highlighted the importance of taking steps to address economic challenges and improve living conditions, while simultaneously advancing preparations for a ceasefire – critical components of the road map and reaching a political resolution that meets the aspirations of Yemenis.
“I am determined to safeguard the progress made to date on the roadmap and keep focus on the prospects for peace in Yemen,” Grundberg noted.
Discussions on the conflict-related detainees file built on the progress made during negotiations held in Oman in July 2024.
The envoy emphasized that the file is vital for confidence building between the parties and advancing previous commitments.
He then underscored the importance of prioritizing this humanitarian issue as a step toward fostering trust that can help enable broader agreements and signal commitment to the peace process.
Protection of Civil Society
The Special Envoy started his visit to Sanaa at the home of the family of his colleague who has been arbitrarily detained by Houthis since June 2024.
He expressed his deepest compassion for what they have been enduring during this difficult period and offered his support, a statement by his office said.
Grundberg then updated the family on the UN efforts to secure the release of all arbitrarily detained personnel.
He also expressed solidarity with the families of the other detainees, acknowledging their shared anguish and the urgent need for their loved ones' release.
In all his discussions, the envoy strongly urged Houthis to release immediately and unconditionally the detained personnel from the UN, NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions.
Grundberg then echoed the Secretary General’s message that the arbitrary detentions are unacceptable and constitute a violation of international law.
“We must protect the role of civil society and humanitarian personnel. They make vital contributions to peace and rebuilding Yemen,” stated the Special Envoy.
Grundberg arrived in Yemen after holding talks with Omani officials in Muscat. Present at the talks was Houthi spokesman and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdelsalam.
The envoy is hoping to make a breakthrough in the Yemeni crisis after his efforts stalled with the Houthis launching their attacks on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes.
The Visit’s Agenda
Grundberg, a Swedish diplomat, is in Sanaa as part of his efforts to push the Houthis to take concrete actions for advancing the peace process.
He will also be pushing for the release of the arbitrarily detained UN personnel and also from other NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions.
The envoy said he plans to conduct a series of national and regional meetings in the coming days under his mediation efforts.