UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg revealed on Tuesday his plans for developing a framework for moving towards an inclusive political settlement to the conflict, including the establishment of a multi-track process.
Through this process, the warring sides’ interests can be addressed within the context of a broader Yemeni agenda along the three tracks of political, security, and economic matters.
He also warned that the attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed Houthi militias indicate how the Yemen conflict risks spiraling out of control unless serious efforts are urgently made by the Yemeni parties, the region, and the international community.
Briefing the UN Security Council on Yemen, Grundberg talked about “worrying developments” and his diplomatic efforts to “reverse this trajectory and initiate a long-delayed political process.”
“The recent months of escalation have put a spotlight on the regional dimension of the conflict in Yemen,” said Grundberg, pointing to last month’s Houthi assaults on the UAE, where a civilian airport and nearby industrial areas were attacked and three civilians were killed.
“The Secretary-General has condemned these attacks and I echo that condemnation,” he remarked.
Moreover, he emphasized that the war continues to be fought also in the economic arena, with “warring sides battling over resources, trade flows and monetary policy.”
“The impact of this aspect of the war continues to irrefutably hit Yemen’s population as a whole,” he added.
Grundberg addressed the media coverage of the Yemen conflict, saying it contributes to increased hostility at a time the country needs calm to move forward with much needed talks.
“The war is also fought in the public domain with increasingly hostile media rhetoric combined by intimidation, detention and harassment of media professionals and activists in Yemen. This contributes to a toxic environment when there is a need for dialogue,” he warned.
“I urge all sides to protect press freedom and release immediately and unconditionally detained journalists and political activists,” added Grundberg.
