The United Nations special envoy for Yemen says the UN remains ready to support negotiations between the country’s conflict parties, including the Houthis, but that the current war-like situation has sharply reduced room for talks. Ultimately, he said, progress depends on the parties’ willingness to negotiate.
The envoy said he was in contact with Yemen’s government, the Houthis and regional counterparts, including Saudi Arabia. Trust has fallen to a low point, he said, impairing efforts to find solutions, although mediation work is continuing.
He noted that Yemen’s conflict involves more than two sides: other actors have their own interests, while divisions within the parties can also hinder mediation. Long-term stability, he said, is primarily for Yemenis to build, though regional and international actors can help. Agreement among those external actors would make that work easier.
The envoy has also engaged with countries beyond the region, including Russia, the United States and Iran. He said the situation involving Iran brings particular difficulties and that conditions are no longer as they were before.
He welcomed Germany’s engagement, describing its involvement through bilateral channels and as a member of the European Union as valuable. He also said the international community should reaffirm its commitment to international law, particularly maritime law and the safety of international shipping.
The envoy urged UN member states to reaffirm principles of maritime security and consider how to address challenges in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere. He said participation by major powers such as China and the United States would be a positive step, but added that shared approaches to enforcing the rules would also be needed.
Sources: FAZ.