Grundberg: Houthi makes lives harsher for Yemenis
The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has warned of the ongoing escalation of Houthi violence, saying it “makes the daily lives of Yemenis even more harrowing”.
The UN mediator ended a shuttle tour to New York and Washington, where he gave a new briefing to the Security Council and met with the UN Secretary-General on the results of his consultation on de-escalation and the start of a multi-track political process.
In a statement, the UN envoy’s office said that Grundberg also discussed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, other senior officials in the US National Security Council and the Foreign and Defense Ministries the wave of military escalation in Yemen and the region and the ongoing efforts to reach a sustainable and peaceful solution to the conflict.
The discussions touched on “exploring possible solutions to urgently reduce escalation and make progress towards an inclusive political settlement to end the war”, he said.
Grundberg briefed U.S. officials on options for de-escalation and for starting a multi-track process that would effectively address key political, military, security, and economic issues in the Yemen conflict.
“The continuing escalation of violence, with the free fall of the economy, makes the daily lives of Yemenis even harsher”, Grundberg warned.
The UN envoy to Yemen said consistent and sustained support from the Security Council, including the United States, was crucial to strengthening UN efforts to reach a negotiated, inclusive political settlement.
The UN envoy urged all parties to uphold the interests and aspirations of all Yemenis, including women and youth.
In his briefing to the Security Council, the UN envoy said he would begin new consultations with all Yemeni parties to develop a general framework for a new UN plan for a comprehensive political settlement in the country, but the Houthi military escalation threatens to undermine his mission.
Soon after the UN envoy to Yemen announced his intention to start consultations, the militias went on to openly announce a large-scale campaign of escalation (recruitment and mobilization) to affirm their rejection of the peace process in advance.
Houthi militias have stepped up rocket and suicide attacks by flying in Hajjah, Marib, and Shabwa, as well as a third-day ground offensive targeting Abas, Hairan, and Haradh in Hajjah on the Saudi border.
