Ambassadors from the G19+ group on Yemen released a statement commending the cooperation and positive efforts exerted by the legitimate Yemeni government in improving the living conditions of Yemenis ailed by war.
The 19 countries had praised the internationally-recognized Yemeni government, headed by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, for having successfully disbursed paychecks of all public sector employees residing in government-controlled areas. It has also seen great progress on the normalization of public services in areas recently liberated from Iran-backed Houthi militias.
Commenting on the statement, Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yemany said: “It represents a clear message from the international community and recognizes the positive role played by the Yemeni government in improving the economic situation and re-normalization of the situation in all fields in different governorates.”
“These positions came in recognition of directives President Hadi gave to the government on the importance of working to improve the economic situation in all provinces, including those still under the control of the Houthis,” he added.
Hadi had ordered the Finance Ministry to pay the salaries of about 33,000 health sector employees working in provinces that are still under militia control. Public workers in the contentious province of Hodeidah also received their monthly salaries.
The move to pay civil servants all across Yemen, even in Houthi-run areas, falls in line with the government’s non-discriminatory policy when it comes to state duties.
Regarding state institutions, al-Yemany said: “The international community speaks with one voice and stands with the Yemeni government by offering all facilities to restore all state institutions and reject any dealings with Houthi militias in this regard. This is in line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
The G19+ group statement reiterated support for the government’s efforts on improving public services and security across Yemen. Ambassadors from involved countries renewed their backing of the political peace process led by the United Nations, primarily supervised by the UN special envoy, Martin Griffiths, and the implementation of the outcomes of the Stockholm Agreement, signed in Sweden in December.
Additionally, the statement pointed to the need for the international community to support the government to provide services to all Yemeni people, pay salaries, alleviate human suffering and promote economic recovery and reconstruction.
The statement stressed the need for concerted efforts to improve the value of the Yemeni rial, praising the economic support provided by the government of Saudi Arabia, including oil assistance, and monthly financial support to the electricity sector and the Central Bank of Yemen, which amounted to $3.2 billion.
