UN Envoy Calls for Comprehensive Yemen Peace, Rejects ‘Wartime Mentality'

Asharq Al-Awsat

7 hours ago

The United Nations special envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Wednesday called for a comprehensive Yemeni-led political settlement to end the long-running conflict between the internationally recognized government and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, warning against what he described as a prevailing 'war mindset.'
Grundberg's appeal came at the close of his visit to the southern port city of Aden, the seat of the internationally backed government.
In a statement issued by his office, the envoy said he had met with Yemeni Prime Minister, Salem Bin Buraik, and engaged in discussions with members of civil society and women leaders of political parties and components.
During talks with Bin Buraik, the two discussed recent developments in Yemen and the wider region, and their impact on the peace process. Grundberg underscored the need to advance a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political path supported by the region.
Grundberg discussed priorities to curb further economic deterioration, including enabling the Government of Yemen to resume oil and gas exports. Welcoming recent progress on the opening of Al Dhale'a road, he stressed that the opening of more roads is critical to facilitate freedom of trade and movement of people across Yemen.
Grundberg welcomed efforts for de-escalation across frontlines and stressed the importance of moving away from a war mindset towards a just political settlement to the conflict in Yemen. In that context, he encouraged the formation of a joint inclusive negotiation delegation by the Government of Yemen to prepare for future talks.
'All stakeholders have a responsibility to move Yemen from a status of 'no war no peace' towards a long-term settlement through credible actions, accountable leadership, and a genuine commitment to peace,' he noted.
During discussions in Aden, the envoy also raised concerns over the detention of UN and aid workers by Houthi forces. He warned that these detentions undermine trust and hamper efforts to create a conducive environment for peace negotiations.
Grundberg reaffirmed the UN's commitment to diplomatic engagement to secure the release of those held.
The Special Envoy also met with representatives of civil society and partisan women's groups to hear their views on the peace process and the challenges facing their communities, including the dire economic situation.
He reiterated the UN's commitment to ensuring that diverse Yemeni voices remain central to efforts toward a sustainable and inclusive peace.
The Yemeni political and public spheres remain marked by deep uncertainty over the prospects of reaching a broad peace agreement with the Houthi movement after more than a decade since their takeover disrupted the national consensus.
On the government side, state media reported that Bin Buraik discussed with the UN envoy ongoing efforts to restore peace in Yemen and opportunities to revive the stalled peace process, aiming to end the suffering caused by what officials described as the systematic Houthi aggression and their ties to Iran.
According to the official Saba news agency, Bin Buraik received updates from Grundberg on his recent diplomatic moves and contacts aimed at breaking the political deadlock amid evolving regional and international developments.
The meeting also highlighted continued Houthi detention of UN staff, local and international aid workers, and diplomatic personnel — actions described as 'a blatant violation of international humanitarian law' that obstruct humanitarian aid efforts.
As Grundberg pushes to revive Yemen's stagnant peace process, Bin Buraik reiterated his government's commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the internationally endorsed three references, chiefly UN Security Council Resolution 2216.
Bin Buraik told official sources that 'the success of any political approach to achieve peace in Yemen requires addressing the root cause of the conflict: ending the Houthi coup and recognizing the militia's destructive approach to the security and stability of Yemen, the region, and the world.'
Despite a fragile ceasefire in place since the UN-brokered truce in April 2022, fears persist over a return to fighting, fueled by the Houthi group's growing military capabilities backed by Iran.
The Houthis have further complicated peace prospects by exploiting the Israel-Gaza war and escalating their involvement in the regional conflict since November 2023. They targeted commercial shipping under the pretext of supporting Palestinians, actions that have disrupted the peace process.
Since November 2023, the Houthi escalation has also effectively frozen a peace roadmap brokered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. The plan included steps to address humanitarian and economic issues as a foundation for reaching a comprehensive political agreement.
Despite ongoing international, UN, and regional efforts, analysts say the prospects for peace in Yemen largely depend on a shift in Houthi behavior and their willingness to make genuine concessions after years marked by excessive violence and regional entanglement.