UN envoy praises ‘intensification’ of diplomatic activity in resolving Yemen conflict

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN special envoy for Yemen on Monday said he sees an “intensification of regional and international diplomatic activity” while urging the warring sides for a “shared vision” to avoid a return to a “full-blown conflict”.

“I, therefore, urge the parties to make the most of the space for dialogue provided by the absence of large-scale fighting,” Hans Grundberg told the UN Security Council in a video message.

Recalling that he has been in continued contact with the parties and regional countries, Grundberg said: “We are currently seeing an intensification of regional and international diplomatic activity to resolve the conflict in Yemen.”

He thanked Saudi Arabia and Oman for their diplomatic efforts, and added: “We are witnessing a potential step change in the trajectory of this eight-year-conflict.”

Although Grundberg said the overall military situation in Yemen has remained “stable,” he also cited “some limited military activity around frontlines in particular in Marib, Taiz, Dali, Hodeida and Lahj provinces”.

Such military activities also resulted in civilian casualties, according to the UN special envoy.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths, who is a former UN envoy to Yemen, also briefed the UN Security Council regarding the recent situation in the war-torn country, saying: “Humanitarian needs remain alarmingly high as the country's economy continues to weaken”.

Yemen has been engulfed by violence and instability since 2014 when Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels captured much of the country, including the capital Sanaa.

The eight-year conflict has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with millions suffering from hunger.