Each of the US, UK, France and Germany have announced they are reviewing peace initiatives for settling the conflict in Yemen.
On the sidelines of NATO meetings in Brussels, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France met to discuss developments in the Middle East and the Gulf, especially the latest peace initiative put forth by Saudi Arabia for achieving peace in war-torn Yemen.
The top diplomats also reviewed efforts spent by the UN and US special envoys for Yemen, Martin Griffiths and Tim Lenderking.
“From pushing for peace in Yemen to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, Britain, US, France, Germany stand together as force for good,” UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab tweeted, using emojis of the flags of the four countries in his message.
“Today @ABlinken @HeikoMaas @JY_LeDrian & I met in-person for the first time to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” added Raab.
State Department Spokesperson Ned Price confirmed Blinken’s meeting with the three ministers.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia proposed a ceasefire deal that would include the reopening of Sanaa airport to some destinations, the resumption of talks between Yemen’s warring sides, allowing additional fuel and supplies to enter Hodeidah port and supporting efforts of reconstruction and aid to the country.
In other news, the UN-recognized Yemeni government approved the entry of a number of fuel ships to the port of Hodeidah, which is run by Iran-backed Houthi militias.
The move came as a step in the direction of alleviating the suffering of many Yemenis living under dire humanitarian conditions. It also reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the rights of all Yemenis, even those living in Houthi-run parts of the country.
“The government is monitoring the humanitarian situation and the basic needs of the private sector and is carrying out its duty to prevent any effects from impacting Yemeni citizens in Houthi-controlled areas,” the government said in an official statement published on Twitter.
Nevertheless, the government accuses Houthis of controlling the distribution of supplies from the port and says the militias decide who gets to benefit from foreign aid in areas it controls.
