US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet the Yemeni Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi in New York on Monday, the State Department said on Sunday as world dignitaries arrive for the UN General Assembly.
Blinken and Alimi had last met in July during US President Joe Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia.
At the time, they discussed the importance of extending the UN-led truce “to ease the suffering of Yemenis and of pursuing meaningful action” by the Iran-backed Houthi militias to improve access to the besieged city of Taiz.
The Houthis have yet to reopen routes to Taiz, a key demand in the truce.
Blinken had also welcomed the Yemeni government’s “bold leadership on the truce, which has had a tangible impact on the lives of Yemenis across the country,” said a State Department statement.
Blinken highlighted the opportunity for the truce to result in a nationwide, permanent ceasefire and the launch of an inclusive, comprehensive political process under UN auspices.
He noted that “only a political agreement between the Yemeni parties, which also meets Yemenis’ calls for justice and accountability, can bring true peace and durable prosperity to the country. “
He reiterated “full support for the Presidential Leadership Council and its initiatives to improve services and daily life for Yemenis.”
