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UN Envoy in Aden Soon to Kick off Negotiations on Comprehensive Solution

Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy to Yemen, speaking in Geneva on September 5, 2018. (AFP)
Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy to Yemen, speaking in Geneva on September 5, 2018. (AFP)
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UN Envoy in Aden Soon to Kick off Negotiations on Comprehensive Solution

Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy to Yemen, speaking in Geneva on September 5, 2018. (AFP)
Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy to Yemen, speaking in Geneva on September 5, 2018. (AFP)

United Nations envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths plans to kick off a series of direct meetings between the legitimate government and Iran-backed Houthis, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat Sunday.

The envoy is expected in the interim capital Aden in days.

“Griffiths believes that the positive atmosphere accompanying the formation of a power-sharing government and its return to Aden is an important point that would help kick off comprehensive political talks on the draft Joint Declaration,” the informed sources said.

The Joint Declaration comprises a nationwide ceasefire, in addition to an agreement on humanitarian and economic measures and the resumption of a comprehensive and inclusive political process in Yemen.

Griffiths believes that indirect talks between the warring parties on the Joint Declaration had been successful.

“We waited months to see the realization of the Riyadh Agreement. Griffiths believes that the return of the government to Aden and the implementation of security and military measures is a very good step,” the sources said, adding that no progress could be made in the file of the UN-sponsored Yemeni talks before seeing a progress in the file of the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council.

Griffiths had proposed the text of his draft Joint Declaration on a ceasefire across Yemen months ago.

He has been carrying out discussions virtually and shuttling between the parties involved in the conflict.

The draft was approved by the legitimate government and rejected by the Houthis, who suggested changes and demanded additional conditions.

However, the sources uncovered Sunday that an important agreement was reached between the parties on several sections of the Declaration, particularly the first and third items.

They explained that the first item is related to aspects of the ceasefire and the third item details the means of discussions towards a comprehensive political agreement.

The sources said the two sides have not agreed on the second item, which covers economic and humanitarian measures.

“Griffiths wants the two sides to sit together and discuss differences over the airport, Hodeidah and salaries,” the sources said.

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Arab World

Burhan on Independence Anniversary: Victory Is Coming

Al-Burhan in a still from a video recorded outside the Republican Palace in the capital, Khartoum (Sudan News Agency). 
Al-Burhan in a still from a video recorded outside the Republican Palace in the capital, Khartoum (Sudan News Agency). 
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Burhan on Independence Anniversary: Victory Is Coming

Al-Burhan in a still from a video recorded outside the Republican Palace in the capital, Khartoum (Sudan News Agency). 
Al-Burhan in a still from a video recorded outside the Republican Palace in the capital, Khartoum (Sudan News Agency). 

The head of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, said on Thursday that “victory is coming” and will be “on the side of the Sudanese people.”

Al-Burhan’s address came as fierce fighting continues between the army and allied forces on one side and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies on the other, particularly in South Kordofan state.

In a recorded message delivered from outside the Republican Palace in the capital, Khartoum, al-Burhan congratulated the Sudanese on the 70th anniversary of independence, marked annually on January 1.

“This is an existential battle of dignity that we are all fighting,” he stated, adding: “We reassure our citizens everywhere, in Darfur and Kordofan, that victory is coming, and that Sudanese forces are coming to you. We will surely gather here again as Sudanese to celebrate the expulsion of the rebellion, traitors and defeatists from our country.”

Al-Burhan continued that those who “betrayed their country and sold it” would not prevail, dismissing what he described as “mirages of states that speak of illusions that will never be realized on this land.” He stressed that the Sudanese people are determined to win.

He also stressed that the door remains open to national reconciliation. “We welcome everyone who wishes to join the voice of the nation and of truth,” he said, pledging to work toward building “a state of citizenship, peace and justice.”

In a contrasting message, the prime minister of the rival, RSF-aligned parallel administration, Mohamed Hassan al-Taaishi, argued that political independence was a great national achievement but remained incomplete because it failed to become an inclusive national project addressing imbalances in power and wealth.

Speaking on the eve of Independence Day, Al-Taaishi said the so-called “Government of Peace” had presented a declared national project for a comprehensive re-foundation of the Sudanese state on new principles.

He added that the war would not end through partial solutions or narrow security approaches, calling instead for a decentralized system of governance that redistributes power and wealth fairly through a new social contract and a secular, democratic civilian constitution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arab World

Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan

Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan
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Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan

Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan

The Arab Parliament reiterated its strong and unwavering support for the security and stability of Yemen. It emphasized that prioritizing dialogue, understanding, and wisdom is essential to serve the best interests of the Yemeni people.

In a statement issued on Friday, the parliament highlighted the importance of making every effort to de-escalate the situation, address the crisis, and achieve a sustainable political solution that respects Yemen's sovereignty and the will of the Yemeni people, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The parliament expressed its full commitment to supporting all initiatives that enhance security, stability, and development in Yemen, as well as to fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people for progress, stability, and prosperity.

The Arab Parliament also reiterated its strong and unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis and ensuring the security, stability, and unity of Sudan.

In a statement, the Arab Parliament congratulated the Sudanese people on the anniversary of Independence Day. It expressed hope that the next Independence Day will be celebrated with the crisis fully resolved, fulfilling the aspirations of the Sudanese people for security, stability and development.

Arab World

Lebanon PM Pledges State Authority, Vows to End Israeli Attacks

An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 
An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 
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Lebanon PM Pledges State Authority, Vows to End Israeli Attacks

An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 
An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has pledged to press ahead with reforms, extend the authority of the state, and work to end Israeli attacks and remove the occupation, even as Israel signals preparations for a “measured” military action against Hezbollah.

In a New Year message posted on X, Salam wished Lebanese a year marked by hope, continued state recovery, and restored public trust.

“We promise to continue together the path of reform and the extension of state authority,” he wrote. He added a renewed pledge “to keep working to end Israeli attacks, remove the occupation, and secure the return of our detainees,” saluting the Lebanese army and security forces deployed nationwide to safeguard public safety.

Lebanon has maintained diplomatic contacts with the sponsors of the ceasefire with Israel, which took effect in November 2024 and ended 66 days of fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

Beirut says diplomacy and steps by the Lebanese army have prevented a renewed war. Israel, however, still occupies five border points inside Lebanese territory, holds around 20 detainees, including civilians, and continues to violate the agreement through intermittent strikes and targeted killings inside Lebanon.

In parallel, Israeli media report heightened security readiness for possible action against Hezbollah, citing Israeli assessments that recent Lebanese measures fall short of ceasefire terms.

The daily Maariv said security chiefs are preparing to brief Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on readiness levels, pointing to what Israel describes as Lebanon’s failure to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south and north of the Litani River.

According to the report, Lebanon may soon declare the end of army operations to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani without extending them northward, an outcome Israel deems a breach. Israeli assessments suggest this could prompt unilateral action if Lebanon is seen as unable or unwilling to comply.

Israel accuses Hezbollah of rebuilding capabilities, including precision missiles, and says recent airstrikes targeted training sites linked to the Radwan Forces. Israeli officials argue Hezbollah is currently in a weakened operational state, enabling “calibrated” options aimed at pressuring the group while preserving the ceasefire framework.