The Gulf Cooperation Council announced that it will host intra-Yemeni consultations at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, from March 29 to April 7.
GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf told a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday that the consultations are aimed at uniting ranks, bridging the rift between the conflicting sides, supporting legitimacy and strengthening state institutions.
“Invitations to the Yemen talks will be sent to everyone and they will be held with whoever attends,” Al-Hajraf said.
“The GCC will host the talks between Yemeni factions to resolve the crisis. We urge all Yemeni parties to cease fire and start peace talks.”
The GCC secretary-general expressed hope that all parties would respond to the initiative, stressing that after seven years of conflict, resolving the crisis “is up to the Yemenis.”
Al-Hajraf said the talks would focus on six axes, starting with the military and security, which includes the general principles for a ceasefire and the fight against terrorism.
The consultations will also tackle the political process and the creation of an adequate environment to achieve a comprehensive, just and sustainable political solution, the GCC official noted.
Other axes will focus on strengthening state institutions, launching administrative reforms, and combating corruption, opening humanitarian channels, adopting urgent measures to stop the collapse of the Yemeni currency and achieve stability and recovery of basic services and direct support from donors, and finally, social recovery, which includes procedures and steps to restore social cohesion.
“We have to be optimistic and realistic; when all components agree on a future road map, then we can talk with the international community, the GCC states and the key actors in this file with a unified voice. Invitations will be sent to about 500 people from all sides,” Al-Hajraf underlined.
