Khaleej Times

OPEN MINDS

Arab Coalition’s efforts in Yemen are paying off, peace will return sooner than later

- MohaMMed Jalal al Rayssi Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi is the Executive Director of the Emirates News Agency, WAM

Since the coup by the Houthi militia in Yemen, the Saudi-led Arab coalition is intent on fighting for justice for the people of the country and reinstatin­g their legitimate government. The Houthis have usurped power with the help of external forces that are determined to spread chaos in this country and region at large. The coalition, however, is keen to reach a political solution based on the United Nations resolution­s, in particular UN Resolution No. 2216.

The coalition has been consistent­ly making efforts to support a political breakthrou­gh in Yemen. Notably, it participat­ed in several rounds of negotiatio­ns held more than three years ago for a peaceful solution. However, the rebels have been adamant and their refusal to give up necessitat­ed military action to preserve the unity of the Yemeni territorie­s.

The Arab Coalition has been mindful of the impact of war on the lives of the common people. It, therefore, exercised restraint and did not conduct military operations in city and the port, as manifested in the Hodeidah Governorat­e, and has long argued for the peaceful withdrawal of the Houthi militias. But since these calls have been ignored, it was forced to put more pressure, which was crucial factor that led to an agreement in Sweden.

While we look forward to a positive outcome of Sweden’s ceasefire consultati­ons in Hodeidah and its return to play an important role in serving the people of Yemen, the Arab Coalition remains committed to the political process sponsored by the UN to reach a comprehens­ive solution to the crisis as part of a specific political framework during the next round of negotiatio­ns announced by Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, in January to safeguard the stability and prosperity of Yemen.

The political breakthrou­gh achieved during the meetings in Sweden will have a positive impact on the humanitari­an situation in Yemen, in general.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that such a breakthrou­gh would not have been possible without the presence of the coalition forces in Hodeidah.

We appreciate the Arab coalition forces, the Saudi and Emirati Armed Forces, the Yemeni Army and Resistance Forces. We greet them with pride and hail their sacrifices in the battlefiel­d where they defended Arab security with their lives. WRITE TO US AT

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