British Minister: We encourage the Houthis to embrace peace
English - Sunday 01 November 2020 الساعة 11:28 am
Aden, NewsYemen:
The Minister for Middle East and North Africa Affairs in the British Foreign Office, James Cleverley, called on the parties to the conflict in Yemen for an urgent ceasefire, and to urgently agree to the proposal of the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths for peace.
Claverley stressed that there will be no decisive military solution to this conflict, which requires a negotiated settlement.
The British minister said, in an interview with Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper: “The international community and the United Kingdom in particular have witnessed years of pain and suffering for the Yemeni people .. There is a great risk of starvation, and they have to deal with the Corona virus, and they had to deal with cholera. It is clear that there will be no definitive military solution to this conflict, ”adding,“ We have to see a negotiated settlement.
He continued, "The United Kingdom is keen to support peace initiatives brokered by Martin Griffiths and the United Nations, and encourages all parties to enter into dialogue with a positive spirit and open heart" to try to end this terrible situation.
Cleverley considered the recent prisoner exchange to be encouraging. He said, "I think that this shows the possibility of reaching positive results, when the various parties engage in dialogue, and I think the time has come to seize the opportunity to continue positive work and progress."
The British minister revealed that there are contacts between his country and the Houthis, saying, "The United Kingdom is trying to maintain an open dialogue with the concerned parties, to try to encourage them to work closely together."
He added, "We will continue to encourage the Houthis to embrace peace, as we do with other parties participating in the conflict in Yemen."
"I spoke directly with the Houthis to say: Continue to do things that build trust," he said, noting that the exchange of prisoners helps build trust, and allowing access to the oil tanker (SAFER) helps as well, as well as ensuring the arrival of food support from the World Food Program. To the people who also need it ».
He added, “They should continue to do these things, and the international community, the Yemeni people, and the countries of the region can see a positive pattern of behavior, and when they interact positively, the United Kingdom will shed light on this positive measure. "We are positive, and reinforce the positive behavior instead of being critical."
The British minister went on to say: “During the summer of this year, the United Kingdom welcomed the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Saudi-led coalition ... that was very welcome, and it showed a real commitment to humanitarian work, and we encouraged all parties to respect this ceasefire. , It was evidence of goodwill and humanity at a difficult time, and we said that it should be an opportunity for everyone in Yemen, including the Houthis.
And he added, "It was an opportunity to embrace peace and engage in the proposals presented by the United Nations through Martin Griffiths, to sign the joint declaration, and to make sure that the peace that was almost within our grasp was achieved."
He continued, "We expressed our disappointment when there were violations of the ceasefire. Peace can only be achieved when there is confidence, and this is the reason for our encouragement."
Regarding the criticism directed at Griffiths and his accusation of working for the interests of his country more than Yemen .. Cleverley said: “Martin Griffiths is a well-respected diplomat in the international arena .. The fact that the United Nations selected its special envoy in this most difficult and sensitive position is a great sign of international respect That Martin enjoys ».
Regarding the donations Britain pays to Yemen, the British minister said: “Yemen is a good example; We help to feed millions of Yemenis through our donations, and we also contribute to the support of medical personnel and teachers. ”
He said “We have renewed our commitment to pay 200 million pounds sterling this year, bringing our full commitment since the start of the conflict to one billion pounds,"
He concluded, “But the best gift the UK can give to the people of Yemen is an end to this conflict… That is why our proud humanitarian work must go hand in hand with our diplomacy. Our work is to build peace. ”
Regarding the donations Britain pays to Yemen, the British minister said: “Yemen is a good example; We help to feed millions of Yemenis through our donations, and we also contribute to the support of medical personnel and teachers. ”
He said “We have renewed our commitment to pay 200 million pounds sterling this year, bringing our full commitment since the start of the conflict to one billion pounds,"
He concluded, “But the best gift the UK can give to the people of Yemen is an end to this conflict… That is why our proud humanitarian work must go hand in hand with our diplomacy. Our work is to build peace. ”
