Grundberg shuffles cards to UN Security Council on Yemen situation

Last updated May 14, 2025 11:47 PM

NEW YORK, May 15 (YPA) – UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, stressed that the general economic deterioration in Yemen is underscoring the urgent need for a political process that enables the cooperation necessary for economic growth.

During a briefing to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Grundberg explained that the parties have already committed to what is supposed to be the beginning of a political process in Yemen through a comprehensive ceasefire, measures to address urgent economic and humanitarian issues, and a comprehensive political process, calling for fulfillment of these commitments for sustainable peace.

“The Yemenis want to move forward, as the current situation is unbearable,” he noted that the United Nations will remain ready and steadfast to support any negotiated way out of the conflict and a comprehensive and sustainable peace.

The UN envoy stressed the importance of supporting Yemen’s neighbors and international partners for a comprehensive and sustainable Yemeni-led political process.

He said that the mediation environment has changed significantly since late 2023, noting the need for additional guarantees to enable the parties to participate and ensure the support of the region, the international community, and the Security Council.

The UN envoy to Yemen welcomed the May 6 announcement of a cessation of hostilities between the United States and Ansarullah movement, reiterating that “it has become clear that de-escalation in the Red Sea and the region in general is essential to returning Yemen to the path to peace.

“The events of recent weeks have clearly demonstrated that Yemen remains caught in the vortex of broader regional tensions,” Grundberg said. “The Ansarullah attack on Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, and Israel’s retaliatory strikes on the port of Hodeida, Sanaa airport, and other sites, represents a dangerous escalation.”

The UN envoy pointed to the state of economic collapse in the coalition-held areas of Yemen, saying, “In a clear indication of the depth of the economic crisis that Yemen is going through.”