US President Joe Biden on Thursday welcomed the extension of the UN-mediated ceasefire between the two sides in the Yemeni conflict.
“Saudi Arabia has shown” courageous leadership “by ratifying and implementing the provisions,” he said.
“The past two months in Yemen have been one of the most peaceful since the start of the terrible war seven years ago, thanks to a ceasefire in April,” Biden said in a statement.
Biden said Oman, Egypt and Jordan played a role that made the ceasefire process possible.
“The United States will be involved in this process in the coming weeks and months,” he said, focusing on deterring threats against friends and partners.
The UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, announced on Thursday that he had agreed to extend the current ceasefire for two months.
In a statement issued by his office, Grundberg said that the parties to the meeting responded “positively” to the UN proposal to extend the ongoing ceasefire, as the extended ceasefire will take effect at 7 am today. Yemeni time evening
He added: “The ceasefire was extended in accordance with the provisions of the original agreement, which took effect on April 2, last month.”
“Yemenis have seen tangible benefits in the past two months,” Grandberg said.
Civilian casualties have dropped dramatically, more fuel has entered Yemen through the port of Hodeidah, and commercial flights to and from Sanaa International Airport have resumed after a nearly six-year shutdown.
He added: “I will continue to work with the parties to fully implement and consolidate the elements of the ceasefire and move towards a lasting political solution to this conflict that meets the legitimate aspirations of Yemeni men and women.”
He added: “It is necessary to take additional measures to achieve the ceasefire to its full potential, especially in the field of opening roads and conducting commercial flights, which require leadership and vision for all of Yemen.”
The UN envoy praised the international community’s support in implementing and extending the ceasefire, in particular the support of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and members of the UN Security Council.
“The two sides have created a glimmer of hope that there is a possibility of ending the devastating conflict. I rely on their continued cooperation in good faith to build trust and use the current momentum to offer a peaceful future in Yemen,” he said.
The EU delegation in Yemen announced on Thursday that the EU ambassadors welcome the extension of the ceasefire in Yemen.
The delegation explained on its Twitter account that the ambassadors expressed hope that the extension of the ceasefire would lead to a permanent ceasefire, and stressed the need to reopen the roads around Taiz.
Source: Lebanon Debate
