The US Department of State announced that the US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking will return to the region to support UN efforts to expand and extend the Yemeni truce.
Lenderking’s return to the Middle East comes at a time when Houthi militias in Yemen have exhibited intransigence. Moreover, the Iran-backed group had presented demands that were labeled as “extremist” by the UN Security Council.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg is also mobilizing to revive the truce, whose second extension expired on Oct. 2. Houthi militias have rejected Grundberg’s proposal regarding the expansion and extension of the ceasefire.
The Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, Anwar Gargash, met with Grundberg on Tuesday, according to a statement posted on the UN diplomat’s twitter account.
Grundberg also met with UAE Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Khalifa Almarar.
The officials stressed the need to continue the efforts being made to renew the armistice in Yemen.
“Lenderking will travel to the region starting Oct. 11 to support intensive, UN-led negotiations with the Yemeni parties to reach agreement on a truce extension and expansion, for the sake of Yemenis,” said a statement by the US State Department.
“The Houthis have an opportunity to support an expanded truce agreement that would provide millions of Yemenis with immediate relief, including much-needed civil servant salary payments, opening roads to and through Taiz and across the country, more flight destinations from Sanaa, and a path to a durable, inclusive Yemen-led peace process, that includes Yemenis’ calls for justice, accountability, and redress for human rights violations and abuses,” it added.
“The truce remains the best opportunity for peace Yemenis have had in years. The United States and the international community stand ready to support an expanded truce,” the statement affirmed.
