Tim Lenderking, US Special Envoy for Yemen, on Wednesday, said that the attacks by Ansar Allah are undermining the progress in the peace process in the broader Yemeni conflict while underscoring the importance of the role of the Sultanate of Oman as it is a key partner in supporting efforts of de-escalation in the Red Sea and backing peace in the region.
During a telephonic press briefing, he said he met Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister. He hailed Oman’s role in backing efforts of the peace process and benefiting from the truce to address the humanitarian needs in Yemen.
In reply to a question from the Observer, Lenderking said: “It is important for us to exchange consultations with both the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia given their role in supporting stability and peace in the region, especially being countries neighboring Yemen.”
“Honestly, I could not think of better partners to work with than Oman and Saudi Arabia, which is why I am here so often. I have made more than 50 trips to this region since I was appointed envoy three years ago,” he said.
He added that the continued attacks on maritime navigation in the Red Sea hinder the arrival of humanitarian needs and aid to Yemen.
Lenderking was earlier in Saudi Arabia to meet with partners to discuss the need for an immediate cessation of attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, undermining progress on the Yemen peace process and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Yemen and other needy countries. He added that the continued attacks on maritime navigation in the Red Sea hinder the arrival of humanitarian needs and aid to Yemen. He stated that the threat to global maritime navigation leads to a rise in the prices of food commodities and exacerbates the global inflation crisis. “We favour a diplomatic solution, we know that there is no military solution. Saudi Arabia mediating between the Ansar Allah and the internationally recognized Yemeni government gives us some hope that we can use this moment to get beyond current tensions”, he said, adding that there has been a 15 percent reduction in ships being able to dock at Yemen’s Hodeidah Port, obstructing humanitarian aid. “While in Saudi Arabia and now in Oman, I met with counterparts to discuss the steps to de-escalate the current situation and renew focus on securing a durable peace for the Yemeni people,” he said. He pointed out that the consultations he is conducting with partners in the countries of the region focus on de-escalation, using diplomatic channels, and harnessing regional efforts to reach lasting peace for the Yemeni people.
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