US, UK, French Ambassadors: Houthi Attacks Harm All Yemenis

Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
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US, UK, French Ambassadors: Houthi Attacks Harm All Yemenis

Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)

The ambassadors of the US, UK, and France have condemned Houthi attacks against infrastructure in Yemen and the group’s actions that threaten the peace process and damage the Yemeni economy.

The three ambassadors called on the Houthis to stop further attacks on civilian infrastructure. They also urged the militias to remove restrictions imposed on women, especially those working in the humanitarian field.

Moreover, the diplomats said they discussed Saudi and Omani efforts spent towards achieving a peaceful solution through dialogue with the Houthis and in coordination with the United Nations Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, and the Yemeni government.

The ambassadors said that those efforts were pivotal for achieving a sustainable peace in Yemen.

They emphasized the importance of a thriving economy in Yemen, the provision of job and livelihood opportunities for the Yemeni people, and the provision of basic public services.

The ambassadors also renewed their support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the government and the central bank in Aden.

They affirmed that they would work with the international community to mobilize support for Yemen.

Urgent support is necessary to prevent a further deterioration of the Yemeni economy.

“Yemen possesses natural resources that enable it to meet the needs of its citizens if it is able to resume exporting oil and gas, without being attacked by the Houthis,” the ambassadors said in a joint statement.

They expressed their concern towards the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Worsening humanitarian conditions have left 17 million vulnerable Yemenis in need of relief aid in 2023.

The statement urged Yemen’s warring parties to allow freedom of movement for aid, so that it reaches beneficiaries in need.

To date, obstacles, interference, and lack of security continue to limit aid delivery.

The ambassadors concluded their statement by calling on “Houthis to advance the interests of Yemenis and engage constructively with all parties in their efforts to achieve peace.”



Iraq and Syria Open ‘New Chapter’ in Ties to Confront ‘Common Challenges’

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani meet in Baghdad on March 14, 2025. (Iraq government media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani meet in Baghdad on March 14, 2025. (Iraq government media)
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Iraq and Syria Open ‘New Chapter’ in Ties to Confront ‘Common Challenges’

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani meet in Baghdad on March 14, 2025. (Iraq government media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani meet in Baghdad on March 14, 2025. (Iraq government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed on Tuesday his country’s support to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning the Israeli incursion into its land.

Sudani held telephone talks with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the first between the two leaders since the latter assumed his post in January.

Sudani’s office said he underlined “Iraq’s firm stance in supporting the Syrian people’s choices and the importance that all of Syria’s segments join its political process.”

The process should “ensure peaceful coexistence and security to achieve a secure and stable future for Syria and the whole region,” he added.

He also emphasized the importance of “mutual cooperation in confronting the threat of ISIS,” as well as cooperation in economic fields.

Since the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria in December, Iraqi authorities have imposed strict measures along the border with Syria to bar the infiltration of gunmen and ISIS members.

The Syrian presidency said Sudani and Sharaa discussed bilateral relations between their countries and means to bolster them in various fields. They also underscored the “depth of relations between their people and economy.”

They stressed the importance of opening a new chapter in bilateral ties based on joint cooperation to confront regional challenges and prevent tensions in the region.

They discussed border security and cooperation in combating drug smuggling.

Sharaa said Syria is “committed to developing bilateral relations and respecting Iraq’s sovereignty.” He expressed “keenness on refraining in meddling in its internal affairs, stressing the need for cooperation to confront common challenges and consolidating political ties” between their countries.

Sudani also welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government, which was announced on Saturday.

Forces within Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework were opposed to establishing relations with the new Syrian authorities, led by Sharaa, that ousted the Assad regime.

An Iraqi source said the talks between Sudani and Sharaa helped “break the ice and tensions after a series of positive measures taken by the Syrian authorities to ease Iraqi concerns.”

Baghdad has been wary of the new authorities and has been hesitant in approaching them due to security concerns and the fears of the possible re-emergence of the ISIS terrorist group in the region.

However, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani's visit to Baghdad in March where he met with Sudani helped break the ice.

During the visit, Baghdad urged the new Syrian rulers to “take into consideration Syria’s religious and ethnic diversity and to exert efforts in protecting religious freedoms and fighting terrorism,” revealed a source close to the Iraqi government.

The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sudani and Sharaa stressed during their call keenness on developing ties between their countries after Syria’s assurances that it would respect diversity and forge ahead with serious dialogue with various segments.

Prominent Sunni Iraqi politician Khamis al-Khanjar criticized the “voices that have been skeptical and opposed to rapprochement between Iraq and Syria.”

In a statement on Tuesday, he said Sudani and Sharaa’s telephone call should be praised, underlining his support for steps taken by the Iraqi government to be open to the Arab world and reclaim its sovereign voice.