The UN special envoy to the crisis in Yemen acknowledged the fragility and temporary nature of the ceasefire in the country and called for an end to the conflict in Ma’rib and the reopening of the Ta’iz route. Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy to Yemen, reported on Thursday on the progress of her talks with those involved in the country.
Faraan: Grundberg was quoted as saying by Russia Today: “Despite the general cease fire, reports of military operations, particularly from the town of Ma’rib, are worrying. Concerns need to be addressed immediately through the tools created by cease fire.”
He also explained that progress had been made on the exchange of prisoners between the parties to the Yemeni war and called on them to agree on the details of the release of prisoners and detainees as soon as possible.
While appreciating and supporting the Red Cross Committee’s efforts to secure the release of the detainees, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, described the ceasefire as “fragile and temporary” and called for concerted and public action to ensure that the opportunity for a cease fire is not lost.
He added: “I remind the parties involved in the Yemeni crisis that the main purpose of the cease fire is to seize the opportunity to end the war; Not an increase in conflicts. The cease fire is an opportunity to move Yemen in a new direction, so its path must be strengthened and the tendency to conflict must be prevented.” He also said: “Our priority is to agree on the reopening of the roads in Taiz. The people of this city have been waiting for a long time so that they can move freely in and out of this city.”
Grundberg concluded by endorsing the United Nations’ support for the decision of ousted Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi to transfer power to a presidential council, calling it an important step in stabilizing and resolving political disputes in Yemen. Last week, Mansour Hadi made an unexpected decision to remove his deputy, Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, as the guest of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, and then handed over the “presidential council” headed by him to Rashad Al-Alimi.
