Tim Lenderking, the US Special Envoy of the United States for Yemen, and Hans Grundberg, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, have arrived in the Omani capital, Muscat, as part of a regional tour that started in Saudi Arabia.
The two envoys are searching for solutions for embattled Yemen.
While they are expected to meet with Houthi representatives in Muscat, Grundberg and Lenderking separately met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi and several other officials in the Sultanate.
According to the state-owned Oman News Agency, Busaidi and the two envoys discussed the latest developments in Yemen and peacemaking efforts.
They also reviewed efforts for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen and easing the flow of humanitarian aid into the war-torn country.
Each of Grundberg and Lenderking also talked over Yemen entering a political process that helps realize the aspirations of its people regarding security, stability, national unity, and reconstruction.
Over the last few months, Muscat has been trying to mediate with Houthi militias and get them on board for a ceasefire based on the plan of the former UN special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths.
Griffiths’ plan is consistent with an initiative that Saudi Arabia had presented for ending the conflict in Yemen.
Although Muscat’s efforts have failed in producing tangible results so far, Washington is still betting on Oman persuading Houthis to join the path to peace and cease the escalation of hostilities.
Last week, Grundberg and Lenderking concluded consultations in Riyadh with Yemeni officials, including President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. They also met with Saudi and Gulf officials.
During his meeting with Hadi, Grundberg underlined his intention to listen to the parties and to engage in serious, sustained discussions on the way forward towards an inclusive and comprehensive political settlement that meets the aspirations of Yemeni men and women.
“I listened to the government’s priorities and we had a constructive dialogue on the current challenges and the way forward”, Grundberg said.
The special envoy highlighted that a serious commitment by all parties to engage in good faith is a necessary first step in making progress on the UN’s peace efforts.
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