UN Special Representative for Yemen Grundberg Visits Aden
In a written statement, UN Special Representative for Yemen Hans Grundberg announced that he held an important meeting with Yemeni Presidential Council President Rashad Alimi in Yemen’s interim capital Aden. It was emphasized that this visit is a critical step in addressing the current situation and the peace process in Yemen.
The statement noted that Grundberg’s visit to Aden today had ended, “The parties exchanged views on the urgent need for a broader dialogue to reduce tensions across Yemen.”It was also reported that Grundberg expressed deep concern over the situation of 17 UN staff detained by the Houthi-led Sanaa-based government authorities.
It was noted that the UN official reiterated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for the release of these workers. Grundberg emphasized the importance of this issue and called on the international community for support.
Yesterday, Grundberg paid a visit to Muscat, the capital of Oman, where he met with Omani officials and Houthi Chief Negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam to exchange views on the peace process. It was stated that such contacts are important for a permanent solution in Yemen.
In his briefing to the UN Security Council (UNSC) on April 15, UN Special Representative for Yemen Grundberg issued serious warnings that conflicts were escalating on various fronts in Yemen and that this situation could threaten international security. “If this escalation continues, it will have serious consequences for Yemen and the region.”also drew attention to the issue.
In Yemen, the Iranian-backed Houthis have taken control of the capital Sanaa and many regions since September 2014. Coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia have intervened in the conflict since March 2015, supporting the Yemeni government against the Houthis.
