UN Special Envoy kicks off peace drive
Says Oman plays a pivotal role in helping people of Yemen
The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, believes Oman plays a “pivotal role” in helping the people of Yemen.
Martin Griffiths affirmed the importance of the neighbourly relations between Oman and Yemen, pointing out that they have long history of dialogue and openness.
Griffiths met with Yousuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, yesterday to discuss the Yemen crisis and find solutions to end the crisis in the war-torn country.
It is the first visit in his capacity as the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Yemen.
Committed to a solution
He noted that the UN Secretary General is committed to solving the conflict in Yemen.
Speaking at a press conference held at the foreign ministry, Griffiths highlighted his experience working in Yemen as a special commissioner to refugees.
He said he is “committed to ensuring peace” and that he is “listening to everyone”.
The special envoy replaced outgoing envoy Esmail Ould Shaikh Ahmad, who like his predecessors, was unable to secure a peace deal between Yemen’s warring parties. Griffiths is currently shuffling between Riyadh, Yemen and Oman hoping to get the parties on board for future talks.
He plans to submit a briefing to the UN Security Council about his visit in 10 to 12 days time.
“I am quite certain that the collective vision, what I have been hearing during my visits, is the vision of peace. Peace sooner, rather than later,” he said.
The Saudi-led Arab coalition entered the Yemeni war in 2015 just months after an Iranbacked Al Houthi coup forced internationally-recognised Yemeni president Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi out of power.