Griffiths to Security Council: Yemen negotiations on draft joint declaration still ongoing

NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (YPA) – The UN envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, on Thursday said that negotiations on a draft joint declaration between the National Salvation Government and “Hadi’s government” are still continuing.

This came in his briefing to the Security Council, in which he affirmed that the two parties are involved in the negotiation process, but they have not yet agreed on a binding text.

“I can only stress the urgent need for the parties to act urgently, as the more time passes the decision becomes more difficult,” Griffiths said.

He continued: “We have been working with the parties for months to agree on a set of measures to ensure that fuel reaches the areas controlled by the Supreme Political Council.”

He also urged the two parties to put aside differences and agree on a mechanism for the future.

The UN envoy considered the prisoner exchange process between Sanaa and Saudi-led coalition “a glimmer of hope for Yemen.” He added that it may be the largest operation of this kind in the history of releasing prisoners.

On the military situation, Griffiths said: “The military situation in Marib remains volatile. He indicated that Hodeidah province is witnessing a “major escalation”, adding that the situation after his call to stop the fighting “appears tense but calm.”

The “joint declaration” is a draft UN initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis. Among its most prominent items is a comprehensive ceasefire, and the resumption of political consultations as soon as possible, in addition to humanitarian arrangements to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people as a result of the war led by the coalition since 2015.

YPA