Yemen’s warring parties who have sustained a nationwide truce for the past six months, need to prioritize the “needs and aspirations” of the people, by both extending and expanding it, beyond Sunday’s imminent deadline, the UN chief has said.
In a statement on Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was time for Government forces and their allies, together with Houthi rebels and their international backers, to “choose peace for good.”
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The hiatus since 2 April, has been twice renewed, providing the longest period of relative calm since the beginning of the intensified conflict, in 2015, Mr. Guterres said. In a statement calling for the truce to be expanded earlier this month, the Security Council said casualties were down 60 per cent since it began.
“I strongly urge the Yemeni parties not only to renew but also to expand the truce’s terms and duration, in line with the proposal presented to them by my Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg.”
In a tweet on Thursday, Mr. Grundberg said he had held “intense discussions” in the capital this week, and said renewal and expansion was a “humanitarian imperative and a political necessity.”
‘Tangible benefits’
The UN chief said the truce had “delivered tangible benefits and much needed relief to the Yemeni people, including a significant reduction in violence and civilian casualties countrywide”.
It has also allowed an increase in fuel deliveries via the main Red Sea port of Hudaydah, and the resumption of international flights to and from the Houthi-controlled airport in the capital, Sa’ana, for the first time in nearly six years.
“Yet more needs to be done to achieve its full implementation, including reaching an agreement on the reopening of roads in Taiz”, in the south, and other governorates, the Secretary-General added.
Beginning to pay civil service salaries, would further improve the day-to-day life of ordinary Yemenis, said, proposing progress “long-term political, economic and military issues”, which “would signal a significant shift towards finding lasting solutions.”
Seize the day
Mr. Guterres strongly urged all those involved in the long-running conflict, to “seize this opportunity.”
“This is the moment to build on the gains achieved and embark on a path towards the resumption of an inclusive and comprehensive political process, to reach a negotiated settlement to end the conflict. The United Nations will spare no efforts to support the parties in this endeavour.”
IOM/Rami Ibrahim
An IOM worker distributes aid kits to newly displaced communities in Ma’rib, Yemen.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
It is crucial that the Yemeni parties prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people by extending and expanding the truce. Peace must be chosen for good to ensure the well-being of the population. The significant decrease in casualties during the truce signifies its importance and the tangible benefits it brings.
As an avid follower of the Yemen conflict, I believe it’s crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. Extending and expanding the truce is not just an option; it is a moral duty. Let’s all choose peace for good and work towards a sustainable solution.
Do the warring parties in Yemen understand the importance of prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the people for a longer truce extension?
Yes, it is crucial that the warring parties in Yemen comprehend the significance of prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the people for an extended truce. This concerted effort is essential in fostering lasting peace and stability in the region.
It’s crucial that the warring parties in Yemen prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people by extending and expanding the truce. Peace should be the ultimate choice for both Government forces and Houthi rebels for the benefit of all. Let’s hope they heed the call for a longer ceasefire.
Do you think the warring parties in Yemen will prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people as urged by Guterres?
Yes, I believe the warring parties in Yemen should prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people, as urged by Guterres. It’s crucial for sustainable peace in the region.
As someone who closely follows the situation in Yemen, I believe it is crucial for the warring parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people by extending and expanding the truce. It’s time for them to choose peace for good. This humanitarian imperative deserves their immediate attention.
Do you think the warring parties in Yemen will prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people by extending and expanding the truce?
As an experienced journalist, I believe that it is crucial for the warring parties in Yemen to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people by extending and expanding the truce. This will not only bring about much-needed relief and stability for the Yemeni population but also pave the way for sustainable peace in the region.
Should the Yemeni parties prioritize extending the truce based on the needs and aspirations of the people or focus on other solutions to the conflict?
It is crucial that the Yemeni parties prioritize extending and expanding the truce to address the needs and aspirations of the people. Choosing peace for the good of all is paramount in achieving lasting stability and prosperity in Yemen.
I fully support the call for extending and expanding the truce in Yemen. It’s crucial that the needs and aspirations of the people are prioritized in any conflict resolution efforts. Peace should be the ultimate goal for everyone involved.