Grundberg: Regional escalation hinders political solution in Yemen

The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned in his briefing to the UN Security Council yesterday, Tuesday, that the escalating regional disturbances continue to undermine opportunities for peace and stability in Yemen, emphasizing that reaching a political settlement has become an urgent necessity.

He called on the international community to take proactive and pragmatic measures to pave the way for ending the ongoing conflict.

In his speech, Grundberg reiterated his three priorities:

1 _ Reducing military escalation on the front lines.

2 _ Building an inclusive negotiation track based on the roadmap signed in December 2023.

3 _ Enhancing cooperation with regional and international parties to support Yemen's stability.

The UN envoy expressed his deep concern over the military escalation, pointing to the significant attack on the Alab front in Saada Governorate (northern Yemen), as well as the Houthis strengthening their positions near the coastal city of Hodeidah on the Red Sea.

He considered that the UN military coordination committee plays a crucial role in preparing for a comprehensive ceasefire.

On the economic side, Grundberg noted that the escalation and financial fragmentation exacerbate the living burdens on citizens, emphasizing that the economic situation remains one of the main obstacles to achieving peace.

He welcomed the recent steps taken by the Central Bank of Yemen and the government to stabilize the exchange rate and the prices of essential goods, but expressed his concern about the unilateral measures by the Houthi group, including the issuance of new banknotes in denominations of 50 and 200 riyals, which he considered a factor that deepens the fragmentation of the Yemeni riyal and complicates efforts to unify the national economy.

Grundberg reviewed the results of a new round of meetings he held with the Yemeni government and regional security actors, under the auspices of the military coordination committee, considering that these meetings are necessary to reduce tensions and lay the necessary foundations for a comprehensive ceasefire.

He emphasized the importance of continuing talks between the various parties, stressing the need to adhere to the agreed-upon roadmap at the end of 2023.

He also pointed to some improvements, including improved access to roads between Al-Bayda and Abyan governorates, considering this a positive momentum that should be built upon.

He praised the effective role of civil society organizations, calling on all parties to facilitate the movement of civilians and commercial activities to enhance community and economic stability.

In another context, Grundberg referred to the seizure of a shipment of weapons in the Red Sea, calling for respect for Security Council resolutions regarding the arms export ban to Yemen.

He also condemned the attacks on civilian vessels and the exchanges of strikes between the Houthis and Israel, warning that their continuation threatens the vital infrastructure in the ports of Yemen's western coast.

The UN envoy demanded that the Houthi group immediately release 23 UN staff members, in addition to others from international and diplomatic organizations, stressing that their continued detention is completely unacceptable.

He also condemned the delay in evacuating the survivors from the crew of the “MV Eternity Sea,” calling on the Houthis to facilitate their urgent return.

Grundberg concluded his briefing by emphasizing that reaching a sustainable political solution in Yemen "is not only possible but an urgent necessity," calling on all parties and the international community to assume their responsibilities and support the UN path to end the protracted conflict that has burdened millions of Yemenis.