Yemenis, Int’l Parties Welcome GCC Initiative for Intra-Yemeni Talks

Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
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Yemenis, Int’l Parties Welcome GCC Initiative for Intra-Yemeni Talks

Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s invitation for holding intra-Yemeni consultations was welcomed by international and Yemeni parties. In an official statement, the Yemeni presidency urged everyone to participate actively and positively.

Yemenis are looking forward to the consultations leading to results that will turn the page of the conflict and help chart a clear path to peace.

The Yemeni presidency welcomed on Friday the GCC’s announcement that it will host Yemeni consultations at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, from March 29 to April 7.

It praised in a statement the GCC and Saudi-led Arab coalition’s sincere efforts to restore security and stability and achieve peace in Yemen, based on the Gulf initiative, its executive mechanism, outcomes of the national dialogue and relevant UN resolutions, mainly resolution 2216.

The presidency called on all Yemeni components to participate effectively and positively in the upcoming talks and join efforts to resolve the crises, end the suffering of Yemenis and start building the future of the next generations.

The United Nations also welcomed the initiative.

“I can tell you that the UN appreciates all initiatives to reach an inclusive negotiated political settlement to the conflict in Yemen,” said Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric.

“In that context, we welcome the Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiative to hold consultations among the parties to the conflict in Yemen in the coming weeks in support of the UN’s own efforts,” he added.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also welcomed the initiative announced by the GCC, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The OIC’s General Secretariat had called for supporting a political solution to the Yemeni crisis and encouraged dialogue between all Yemeni parties and the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, and appreciated all efforts, especially efforts of UN and Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire and advancing the political process.

OIC Secretary General, Hissein Brahim Taha praised the GCC initiative, which would bridge the rift between Yemeni brothers.

He called on all Yemeni parties to engage in this very important initiative to stop the bleeding of Yemeni blood and reach a political solution to end the conflict and advance the interests of the Yemeni people and in support of security and stability in the region.



Saudi Crown Prince Performs Eid al-Fitr Prayer and Receives Princes, Senior Officials

Jjoining the Crown Prince in the prayer were Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with princes, scholars, ministers, and senior officials. SPA
Jjoining the Crown Prince in the prayer were Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with princes, scholars, ministers, and senior officials. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Performs Eid al-Fitr Prayer and Receives Princes, Senior Officials

Jjoining the Crown Prince in the prayer were Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with princes, scholars, ministers, and senior officials. SPA
Jjoining the Crown Prince in the prayer were Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with princes, scholars, ministers, and senior officials. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer on Sunday morning in Makkah alongside worshippers who filled the Grand Mosque and its surrounding courtyards.

Also joining the Crown Prince in the prayer were Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with princes, scholars, ministers, and senior officials.

After the prayer, the Crown Prince received the princes, scholars and senior officials who extended their greetings on the occasion of the Eid.

Everyone joined the Crown Prince for a breakfast banquet.