Latest news with #UN-facilitated
Yemen Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Yemen Online
Yemen : Grundberg Voices Alarm Over Houthi Escalation, Urges Proactive and Pragmatic Measures
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg has expressed deep concern over the Houthis' escalation against commercial shipping, and along frontlines with government forces, stressing the need for 'proactive and pragmatic' steps to pave the way for peace. Briefing the UN Security Council, proactive and pragmatic Grundberg said his recent efforts had focused on reducing tensions on the ground, establishing a pathway for talks between the parties, and boosting regional and international support for stability in Yemen. While frontlines had been relatively quiet, he noted troubling incidents, most notably a major July 25 attack on the Al-Aleb front in Saada governorate, which caused heavy casualties on both sides. He pointed to Houthi military build-ups around the port city of Hodeidah as evidence of the need for effective de-escalation and security dialogue. The UN-facilitated Military Coordination Committee, he said, remains vital in discussing ways to reduce tensions and prepare for future ceasefire negotiations. Grundberg stressed that commitment to the December 2023 roadmap requires ongoing confidence-building measures and improvements to daily life. He praised civil society efforts to open key roads, including one linking Al-Bayda and Abyan provinces, and called for the swift reopening of other vital routes to ease travel and trade. On the economy, he warned Yemen urgently needs reforms to ensure the flow of goods and services, adding that continued escalation and economic fragmentation 'benefit no one' and weigh heavily on families and the private sector. He commended the Central Bank and government in Aden for stabilizing the currency and prices of basic goods, expressing hope this marks the start of a sustainable recovery. On the other hand, the UN envoy criticized Houthi unilateral moves, including issuing new 50-rial coins and 200-rial banknotes, as deepening the fragmentation of Yemen's currency and complicating future unification talks. Dialogue, he insisted, is the only path to lasting solutions. The envoy underscored the need for full compliance with the UN arms embargo, citing the recent interception of a large weapons shipment from Iran to the Houthis. He urged the group to allow the immediate return of surviving crew members from the MV Rubymar, sunk in the Red Sea last month in attacks claimed by the Houthis. Linking the escalation to the Gaza conflict, Grundberg warned Yemen must be shielded from regional turmoil. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, missile strikes on Israel, and Israeli responses have, he said, devastated port facilities under Houthi control, tripled cargo discharge times in Al-Salif, and sharply reduced vessel traffic. He also condemned the continued detention of 23 UN staff and other humanitarian and diplomatic workers, calling it 'unacceptable' and demanding their unconditional release. A sustainable solution for Yemen, he said, is 'not only possible but urgent.'
Libya Review
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
US Reaffirms Support for Berlin Process & Libyan Political Roadmap
The United States has reaffirmed its support for military integration between eastern and western Libya as a key measure to protect the country's borders and enhance its sovereignty. The commitment was made by the US representative during a UN Security Council session on Tuesday focused on developments in Libya. Speaking before the Council, the US diplomat emphasized that the Libyan people do not seek involvement in further regional conflicts, such as those unfolding in the Sahel or Sudan. Instead, she stressed that the Libyan public is looking for a path to internal unity, peace, and institutional consolidation. The US representative referred to the recent armed clashes in Tripoli in mid-May, describing them as a reminder of Libya's fragile security landscape. She welcomed the Presidential Council's response—specifically the creation of a Joint Security Committee and plans to establish a unified force responsible for maintaining public order—as a constructive step toward long-term stability. She also noted that the June 20 meeting of the Berlin Process International Follow-Up Committee provided an important platform for the international community to reaffirm its collective support for Libya's political roadmap. According to the US, sustained international coordination is essential to help Libyans overcome divisions and build effective governance. Additionally, the US envoy underscored the importance of safeguarding the independence of Libya's sovereign economic institutions. She highlighted that a neutral and well-functioning economic system is critical for restoring public trust and ensuring equitable resource distribution across all regions. The United States reiterated its support for a Libyan-led, UN-facilitated political process and reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders toward a peaceful, unified, and democratic Libya. Tags: libyaPolitical RoadmapSecurity CouncilUS Envoy
India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Cyprus President, PM Modi view mountains near Nicosia which are under Turkish occupation
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 16 (ANI): Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday viewed the mountains near Nicosia, which are under Turkish occupation, and engraved on the mountains are words which remind the Cypriots that a large part of their country has been under occupation since 1974. PM Modi, who visited Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation visit, reiterated India's support for Cyprus's unity and for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis. India has reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. A joint declaration released after meeting between the Cyprus President and PM Modi said that both sides emphasized the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations. The two countries expressed their strong commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions,' the statement said. According to Cyprus High Commission in New Delhi, Turkish armed forces staged a full-scale invasion against Cyprus in 1974 and Turkey proceeded to occupy the northern part of the island and empty it from its Greek inhabitants. It said that the United Nations has in several resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council demanded respect for the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of refugees to their homes and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island. All of these resolutions have been consistently ignored by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years, is being viewed as a diplomatic signal to Turkey, which has occupied one-third of the island since 1974 and had backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last month. Cyprus has backed India on the issue of terrorism. Cyprus forms part of the energy corridor that will connect India with Europe and strengthen East-West connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). In the joint declaration released on Monday, Cyprus and India unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability. Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, rejecting any justification for such acts, under any circumstances. They emphasized that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable. PM Modi and Cyprus President urged all states to respect the sovereignty of other nations and condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms. They called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks, elimination of safe havens, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained approach to combatting terrorism across borders, they underscored the importance of working collaboratively, bilaterally and with the multilateral system. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral efforts to combat terrorism and called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework. They urged for concerted actions against all UN- and EU-designated terrorists and terrorist entities, associated proxy groups, facilitators, and sponsors, including terrorists under 1267 UNSC Sanctions Committee. They reiterated their strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt terrorist financing channels including through the UN and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Acknowledging emerging challenges within the international security environment, the leaders stressed the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy, defence readiness, and defence capabilities. (ANI)
Libya Observer
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
EU condemns truce violations in Tripoli over Eid holiday
The European Union delegation and the diplomatic missions of EU member states in Libya have condemned recent violations of the ceasefire in Tripoli during the Eid al-Adha holiday. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the EU and its member states called on all parties to respect their ceasefire commitments and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure from further harm. 'The renewed violence highlights the urgent need to revive a credible and inclusive political process,' the statement said, urging UN-facilitated efforts to resolve divisions and restore the legitimacy of Libya's national institutions through comprehensive and credible national elections. The EU also warned against unilateral actions that could jeopardize recent progress, calling instead for dialogue and consensus among Libyan stakeholders. The statement reaffirmed the EU's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for actions that threaten peace, endanger civilians, or undermine national institutions and the political process. 'The EU and its member states remain firmly committed to supporting Libya and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in advancing a transparent, inclusive political path led and owned by Libyans,' the statement concluded. Tags: Tripoli ceasefire EU
Libya Review
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Dismisses Rumours of Libya Talks in Tunisia
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has denied reports that it is organising or hosting a political dialogue between Libyan factions in Tunis on 28–29 May. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, UNSMIL said, 'Contrary to recent media reports, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is not organising or hosting any dialogue between Libyan parties in Tunis on 28 and 29 May.' The clarification comes as the UN mission released a detailed report outlining the proposals of its advisory committee, aimed at resolving key disputes blocking progress toward national elections. The committee, composed of 20 Libyan experts in legal, constitutional, and electoral affairs, held over 20 meetings in both Tripoli and Benghazi across three months. The report presents four potential pathways to end Libya's prolonged transitional period and pave the way for elections. The first option proposes holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously. The second suggests parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution. The third path prioritises adopting a permanent constitution before any elections. The fourth option involves forming a political dialogue committee under the Libyan Political Agreement to finalise electoral laws, executive authority arrangements, and a permanent constitution. International support swiftly followed the release. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the European Union delegation to Libya welcomed the initiative, describing the advisory committee's proposals as a timely opportunity for Libyans to re-engage in dialogue and revive momentum toward a peaceful, unified, and democratic future. The EU and its member states' embassies hailed the proposals as a 'significant achievement' in Libya's UN-facilitated political process, calling on stakeholders to constructively engage with the advisory committee's recommendations. Tags: libyaLibyan CrisisTunisiaunsmil
