Yemen talks key: Kuwait

NEW YORK, Nov 23, (KUNA): Kuwait Representative to the United Nations Mansour A. AlOtaibi on Friday expressed hope that the Riyadh Agreement will help pave the way to a comprehensive political resolution of the conflict in Yemen.

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the situation in Yemen, he invited them to further peace negotiations in Kuwait.

“We meet here today while positive and constructive indications are gaining momentum towards solving the Yemeni crisis,” Ambassador Al-Otaibi pointed out.

“On top of these indications are the signing of Riyadh Agreement by the Yemeni government and the Transitional Southern Council on Nov 5,” he said, appreciating the mediation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the deal.

“The deal signals the commitment of Saudi Arabia and the partners in the Coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen to stabilize the country.

“Under this deal, the Yemeni government was able to resume its operations in Aden, the interim capital city of the country,” he said.

Ambassador Al-Otaibi welcomed the drop in military operations inside Hodeidah and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries.

However, he regretted that United Nations experts are still unable to carry out the necessary inspection of a floating oil tanker in the Red Sea, the condition of which may result in an imminent environmental disaster.

He demanded that all parties allow humanitarian agencies to carry out their work without restrictions, noting that the State of Kuwait has pledged $600 million to Yemen since the conflict began.