Yemen’s official government has renewed its prioritizing of peace and support for international efforts to end the war with Houthi militias despite the latter’s continued escalation and violations against the UN-sponsored truce that went into force on April 2.
“The government has chosen the path of peace in order to end the longstanding conflict,” confirmed Yemeni Permanent Representative to the UN Abdullah Ali Fadhel Al-Saadi.
Al-Saadi’s remarks came during his speech at a UN Security Council meeting addressing the situation in the Middle East.
While affirming that the official state was prepared to go to great lengths to realize the aspirations of the people for peace, security and prosperity, Al-Saadi noted that “the path to peace remains troubled by the Houthis failing to offer real concessions for the future of Yemen.”
He pointed out that his country's government had made many concessions to alleviate human suffering and end the war imposed by Houthi militias.
Noting that the creation of the Presidential Leadership Council — with its broad and inclusive membership — confirms the government’s commitment to working for the good of all Yemenis, Al-Saadi commended former President Hadi for his leadership and thanked the Gulf Cooperation Council for creating the right conditions for Yemen’s “historic turning point”.
The Houthis, on the other hand, continue to reject calls to sit at the negotiating table, preferring to remain a “tool in the hands of Iran”.
The Yemeni government now seeks to maintain the truce, despite flagrant violations seen in various governorates where the Houthis are targeting civilians.
Outlining progress made since the signing of the truce agreement, Al-Saadi said the government has reopened the Sanaa airport, is working to stabilize the currency, and is attempting to reopen the road to Taiz.
For its part, the UN Security Council should play its role as a moral authority and bring more pressure to bear on the Houthis to commit to the terms of the truce.
While the government will do everything possible to provide peace and prosperity to the Yemeni people, these goals will remain elusive as long as the Houthis choose the opposite path, stressed Al-Saadi, calling for more international support to stabilize the economy.
