Grundberg: Intensive contacts to extend and expand the truce in Yemen
English - Thursday 21 July 2022 الساعة 05:59 pm
Aden, NewsYemen:
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said Thursday that he is conducting intensive contacts with the parties to the conflict, in order to extend and expand the truce.
Grundberg said, in a statement, that he intensified his contacts with the parties "in support of the implementation of all provisions of the armistice and to explore opportunities to expand its scope and extend its term beyond August 2nd."
He added that "the extension and expansion of the armistice will increase the benefits for the Yemeni people, provide a platform to build more confidence between the parties, and start serious discussions about economic priorities such as revenues and salaries, and security priorities, including the ceasefire."
The UN envoy pointed out that "the ultimate goal is to move towards a political settlement that ends the conflict comprehensively."
He continued: "Thanks to the continued commitment of the parties, the truce has largely held for nearly 4 months, which represents one of the longest periods of relative calm after more than 7 years of continuous conflict, during which the total number of civilian casualties decreased compared to their numbers before the truce."
He explained that "during the armistice, 20 round-trip flights have been operated so far between Sanaa and Amman, and one round-trip between Sanaa and Cairo, all of which carried more than 8,000 passengers."
And he added, "Between April 2 and July 21, 2022, 26 fuel ships entered the port of Hodeidah (west), carrying 720,270 tons of fuel derivatives, while more fuel ships are under procedures."
The UN envoy considered that "the armistice has brought about a major transformation for Yemen, and made a tangible difference in people's lives."
He pointed out that "the Yemeni people and the international community want and look forward to implementing, renewing and fully strengthening the truce."
He expressed his hope that the parties would participate constructively in his efforts and realize the gains that can be achieved for the Yemeni people from extending and expanding the truce.
He concluded, "We must take advantage of this occasion and not waste the opportunity."
