Yemeni Foreign Ministry welcomes UN envoy's announcement of roadmap to end the war

The internationally recognized Yemeni government welcomed the efforts of the United Nations to end the war in the country after the warring parties agreed to a ceasefire and engage in a peace process led by the UN. 

The conflict in Yemen erupted in 2014 when Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, seized vast areas in the north of the country, including the capital, Sana'a. In the following year, Saudi Arabia intervened at the head of a military coalition in support of the government, exacerbating the conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead. 

The ceasefire agreement mediated by the United Nations, which came into effect in April 2022, led to a significant reduction in hostilities. The truce ended in October of last year, but fighting continues to a large extent. 

On Saturday, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, announced that both sides have committed to a new ceasefire and engagement in a peace process led by the United Nations as part of a roadmap to end the war. 

On Saturday night, the Yemeni Foreign Ministry welcomed the statement of the UN envoy, expressing "thanks for all the efforts made by our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman to advance the settlement and resume the political process." 

Analyst Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group (ICG) stated that the United Nations would lead this process.  

He emphasized to AFP that the announcement "constitutes a framework for the progress made in the negotiations over the past months" and indicates that "the United Nations is currently leading the negotiations, with the Saudis stepping back to enable the United Nations to take over any future political agreements." 

Saudi Arabia seeks to reduce its military involvement in Yemen, although hopes for a sustainable peace are slim. Many analysts express pessimism about the possibility that Riyadh's efforts to reduce its military engagement in Yemen will lead to a lasting peace in the country. 

AFP