European Union ambassadors to Yemen have ignored the escalation of Houthi militias and their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. But they reiterated support for the Yemeni government and called for continued constructive engagement with UN-led peace efforts.
EU Ambassador to Yemen Gabriel Munuera Viñals, Ambassador of France Catherine Corm-Kammoun, Dutch Ambassador Jeannette Seppen and the German Ambassador, Hubert Jäger, concluded a joint visit to the interim capital of Aden, a statement said Wednesday.
The Ambassadors met with Presidential Leadership Council VP Aidarous al-Zubaidi and reiterated support for the PLC and the Yemeni government, said the statement.
“They encouraged concerted efforts to address the economic challenges and improve service delivery under extremely difficult conditions,” it said, adding that “they called for continued constructive engagement with UN-led peace efforts, which offer the best way forward for a better future for Yemen.”
“The Ambassadors encouraged continued work to stabilize the economy, strengthen public revenues and improve expenditure management, and deliver basic services. They underscored the importance of ensuring respect for fundamental rights and a conducive operating environment for humanitarian and development actors helping Yemenis.”
The statement did not mention attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militias in the Red Sea.
US Central Command said Tuesday that in the past 24 hours, Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by US, coalition, or commercial ships.
“This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” it said in a statement.
The militias have attacked ships off Yemen’s coast for months, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.
