Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, United States and Britain condemned the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ latest escalation in Yemen.
Known as the Quad, the countries reiterated strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, and their commitment to stand by the people of Yemen through efforts to reach an end to the conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“The Quad welcomed the tangible benefits delivered by the truce for the Yemeni people since it commenced on April 2, 2022,” said a US State Department statement on Friday.
“They welcomed the continuing implementation of agreed confidence building measures and leadership of the Government of Yemen, including facilitating the flow of fuel into Hodeidah Port despite the Houthis’ order that delayed the established process for clearing ships, and the resumption of flights in and out of Sana’a airport.”
“They called for the implementation of the outstanding measures, including the opening by the Houthis of the main roads around Taiz and an agreement on a joint mechanism for the payment of civil servant salaries,” continued the statement.
“They condemned the Houthis’ large scale military reinforcement and all attacks that threatened to derail the truce including, inter alia, the recent Houthi attacks on Taiz. They also condemned the recent Houthi military parade in Hodeidah, in violation of the Hodeidah Agreement,” it added.
“They emphasized the need to consolidate and build on this progress, which requires compromise by all parties.”
“The Quad therefore fully supported the efforts of the UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, to extend and expand the truce on October 2, 2022, in addition to the full implementation of all terms of the truce,” it stressed.
“The Quad agreed that a permanent ceasefire and a durable political settlement must be the ultimate objectives of the Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, under UN auspices, and that such a settlement must be based on the agreed references and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in New York on Saturday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Alimi stressed that the Presidential Council will not discuss new pending files before the Houthis fulfill their pledge to lift the siege on Taiz.
He made his remarks as UN envoy Grundberg is seeking to extend the nationwide ceasefire for a third time, but this time for six months rather than two.
The truce will end on October 2.
Official sources said Alimi hailed Saudi Arabia’s stance in standing by the Yemeni people over the years, its major role as leader of the Arab coalition and its efforts to restore peace and stability in Yemen.
Alimi’s talks with Prince Faisal tackled the latest developments in Yemen. They covered regional and international efforts to renew the truce to pave the way for a fair and comprehensive agreement that would end the Houthi coup and restore the rule of the state.
Speaking to Aboul Gheit, Alimi praised the role of the Arab League in supporting the Yemeni people and championing their cause at international and regional arenas.
For his part, Aboul Gheit underscored the Arab League’s support to Yemen and its unity, security and stability.
Alimi’s meeting with Colonna tackled relations between Yemen and France and the latest developments in Yemen.
They also addressed the desired efforts from France as president of the European Union and permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Colonna stressed Paris’ support to the Presidential Council, Yemeni government and efforts aimed at renewing the truce.
