Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Meets with UN Special Envoy to Discuss Peace Process Revival

Yemen's President Rashad al-Alimi and UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg met in Riyadh to discuss reviving the stalled peace process in the war-torn Arab country. According to Yemen's state-run Saba news agency, the meeting focused on developments in international diplomatic efforts to restart peace negotiations. Al-Alimi emphasized the importance of Grundberg's previous briefing to the UN Security Council, particularly regarding de-escalation measures and economic improvements. The Yemeni leader reaffirmed his government's support for UN peace efforts aimed at achieving peace in the country ravaged by years of conflict.

Key Takeaways:

• The meeting between Rashad al-Alimi and Hans Grundberg focused on efforts to revive the stalled peace process in Yemen, with a focus on de-escalation measures and economic improvements.
• Al-Alimi emphasized the importance of Grundberg's previous briefing to the UN Security Council, particularly regarding de-escalation measures, economic improvements, and the release of UN and international organization staff detained by the Houthi group.
• Grundberg welcomed recent steps taken by the Yemeni government and the Central Bank in Aden, including efforts to build upon the significant currency appreciation witnessed lately.
• The UN envoy stressed the urgent need to address the deteriorating living conditions for Yemenis and to make progress toward a political agreement that opens a path toward a just and sustainable peace.
• Grundberg reiterated concerns over the continued detention of UN, diplomatic mission, and NGO personnel by the Houthi group, stressing that such actions undermine confidence-building efforts.
• The Yemeni government and the Central Bank have taken recent steps to improve economic conditions in the country, including efforts to stabilize the currency.

Statistics:

• Yemen has been engulfed in civil war since 2014, with the Houthi forces seizing the capital Sanaa in 2015.
• The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in the conflict since 2015.
• The Houthi group has detained UN, diplomatic mission, and NGO personnel, undermining confidence-building efforts.
• The Yemeni government and the Central Bank have made recent efforts to stabilize the currency and improve economic conditions in the country.

Sources:

• Xinhua via COMTEX
• Saba news agency
• UN statement
• Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber
• Ambassador's from the five permanent UN Security Council members