The United Nations’ Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grunberg, described on Thursday the nationwide truce that was in place since April as an “historic opportunity to build trust and to work towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict.”
“On 2nd of October, the day the second extension of the truce ended, the parties regrettably did not reach an agreement on the extension and the expansion of the truce. This has caused new uncertainty for the country and a heightened risk of war,” he told a UN Security Council briefing.
“Efforts to not only extend, but also to expand and build on the elements of the truce have been ongoing since early July,” he stated.
“On the 18th of September, I shared a proposal for a six-month extension and expansion of the truce elements with the parties. And in the weeks leading up to the 2nd of October, I intensified my discussions with them, conducting several rounds of negotiations in Aden, Sanaa, Riyadh, and Muscat. I subsequently shared a revised proposal with them on the 1st of October,” he went on to say.
“My proposal addressed the key – competing – demands of both sides, in a balanced manner,” he added.
His proposals included the continued halt of all offensive operations and an enhanced Military Coordination Committee as a robust de-escalation communication and coordination channel; a transparent and effective disbursement mechanism for the regular payment of civil servant salaries and pensions; the phased opening of roads in Taiz and other governorates; an increase in the number of flights and destinations to and from Sanaa International Airport; the regular and unhindered flow of fuel to the ports of Hodeidah; and a commitment to urgently release detainees.
“The proposal also includes the establishment of structures for the initiation of negotiations over economic issues, a durable ceasefire, and – most importantly – the resumption of a Yemeni-led, inclusive political process to work towards a comprehensive resolution of the conflict,” revealed Grundberg.
“In light of this, it’s deeply regrettable that on the 2nd of October an agreement was not reached on the extension and expansion of the truce,” he continued.
He appreciated the position of the Government of Yemen on “engaging positively” with his proposal, while blaming the Iran-backed Houthi militias for coming up with “additional demands that could not be met.”
“As I continue to work with both sides to find solutions, I urge them to demonstrate the leadership and flexibility required to reach an extended and expanded agreement,” he added.
“I welcome that the parties have shown restraint since the expiration of the truce as we have fortunately not witnessed any major military escalation, only sporadic exchanges of artillery and small arms fire in the frontline areas in Taiz, Marib, Hodeidah, and Dhale. I urge the parties to continue to exercise maximum restraint,” said Grundberg.
“It is important to remember that the truce was never intended as an end in itself, but as a building block to enhance trust between the parties and establish a conducive environment to work toward a political solution to the conflict,” he stressed.
“The parties now have a choice before them. They can choose to preserve and build on the truce and take the path towards peace as is expected from them by the Yemeni population. Otherwise, a return to war would mean renewed and increasing suffering for the civilian population,” he warned.
“The members of this Council and the international community are following the situation in Yemen with concern. Yet, ultimately, the parties’ duty is to the men and women of Yemen – to find solutions that are in the best interest of the Yemeni population and to pursue every avenue for peace,” he stated.
“In this context, I would also like to reiterate my appreciation for the continued steadfast support of this Council, as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. This Council’s united position on the renewal and expansion of the truce has made it clear that the international community expects the parties to reach an agreement with a sense of urgency,” stressed Grundberg.
US deputy ambassador Richard Mills also blamed the Houthis and implored them to accept the truce and “cease rhetoric threatening commercial shipping and oil companies in the region."
