Amid deep uncertainty among Yemen’s political factions and public over prospects for a comprehensive peace with the Houthi rebels, UN Envoy Hans Grundberg paid a short visit to Aden, the interim capital of Yemen, to try to break the deadlock.
Grundberg met Prime Minister, Salem Bin Buraik, and members of civil society and women leaders of political parties and components.
His meeting with the Prime Minister focused on the latest developments in Yemen and the urgent need to advance a political path towards peace process in Yemen supported by the region.
Grundberg welcomed efforts for de-escalation across frontlines and stressed the importance of moving away from a war mindset towards a just political settlement to the conflict in Yemen.
In that context, he encouraged the formation of a joint inclusive negotiation delegation by the Government of Yemen to prepare for future negotiations.
He also raised the issue of detained UN and NGO staff by the Houthi rebels, stressing that such detentions undermine trust and confidence-building efforts essential to the peace process, and reaffirming the UN's commitment to securing their release through continued diplomatic engagement.