A senior Yemeni official pointed to positive indications regarding the extension of the UN truce, which will expire on August 2, in light of the intensive regional and international efforts in this regard.
The Yemeni official was speaking following visits by UN Envoy Hans Grundberg and US representative Tim Lenderking to the region, seeking to extend the truce that was launched on April 2, and to persuade the Houthis to open the Taiz crossings and other areas.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that signs were positive about extending the truce, but refrained from providing additional details or specify whether the truce would be prolonged for two months or six months as per the desire of the United Nations.
“Discussions are ongoing. There is undoubtedly international pressure, but the government insists that the Houthis fulfil their commitments to open roads in Taiz and the rest of the provinces. This is a humanitarian issue, and it will not be overlooked,” the official underlined.
The UN envoy to Yemen visited the temporary capital, Aden, during the past two days, but was unable to meet with the president and members of the Presidential Leadership Council and the head of government. He held discussions with Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak, who conveyed the government’s position, according to Yemeni sources.
Grundberg proposed to extend the truce for the next six months, pledging to work on two tracks: completing the opening of the roads of Taiz and the rest of the regions, and focusing on the economic aspect.
For his part, US Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking stressed that the Yemeni government has shown a strong commitment to leading the truce, stressing the need for the parties to respond to the extension request.
In parallel with regional and international efforts to extend the truce and launch comprehensive political negotiations, Yemeni parties accused the Houthis of a military escalation on various fronts.
According to a Yemeni military source, “the terrorist group continues to mobilize more elements and equipment and to support various fronts, disregarding the sufferings of the Yemenis and their need for peace.”
The source added that the rate of violations and attacks has been rapidly increasing during the past days, with the approach of end of the truce.
