UN envoy to Yemen briefs the security council from Yemen’s capital, Sana’a

Yesterday, the UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the UN Security Council on its session, for the first time from the capital, Sana’a, hours after his arrival and before the start of the session.

Grundberg confirmed in his briefing that there are significant indicators confirming the possibility of achieving peace in Yemen this year.

Hans said, “I am pleased to present the first briefing for this year from Yemen.. Today I had positive and constructive discussions with the leadership here in Sana’a represented by President Mahdi Al-Mashat, and I look forward to continuing these talks.”

He indicated that he had held fruitful discussions in Riyadh and Muscat, expressing his hope to build on these discussions to ensure that the year 2023 provides a more peaceful and prosperous future for the men and women of Yemen.

“We are still witnessing limited military activities on the front lines, specifically in the governorates of Marib, Taiz, Al-Dhalea, Al-Hodeidah and Lahj, as well as along the Saudi-Yemeni border area,” he added.

“The general military situation in Yemen remains stable and that there has been no major escalation, nor changes in the front lines,” he added.

Regarding the ongoing mediation efforts, the UN envoy indicated that he is in constant contact with the parties and regional states, noting that the discussions mainly focus on options for securing an agreement on military de-escalation and measures to prevent further economic deterioration and mitigate the impact of the conflict on civilians.

In addition, during the Security Council session on Yemen, Russia’s delegate confirmed Russia’s recognition of the Sana’a government, and said: Moscow maintains its relationship with the Sana’a authorities.

The representative of Russia added that Western countries seek to plunder and export Yemeni oil and gas, and do not want to negotiate for a comprehensive solution in Yemen.

He pointed out that the goal of the Westerners is not to reach a comprehensive solution in Yemen, but rather to export its “oil” and its fuel to global markets only.

He said: Western countries practice opportunism by focusing on obtaining Yemeni oil and gas, and we consider this Western opportunistic approach very dangerous and harmful to sustainable peace in Yemen.