International conference on Yemen holds in Germany, closes its doors to Exiled Hadi’s government, journalists

SANAA, Jan. 17 (YPA) – An international conference on Yemen has been held in the German capital of Berlin on Wednesday, with its doors closed to members of the Saudi-backed exiled Hadi “government”, and away from media spotlights.

Journalists were not allowed to enter the meeting room for a few minutes before it began, and then asked to leave, sources familiar with the issue reported.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the exiled Hadi’s foreign ministry will issue a statement about the failure to coordinate with the coalition-backed government.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas attended the conference, along with UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Lise Grande.

Asked by Asharq Al-Awsat about the lack of invitations to any of the warring parties, a German foreign ministry spokesman replied that the meeting brought together international partners, donors and main players for the purpose of supporting UN efforts and taking additional measures that would lead to a peace process.

But these German efforts raised questions amid Yemenis, and a source loyal to the exiled Hadi’s government confirmed that there was no coordination with the coalition-backed “government”, and that no representatives attended.

The conference included representatives of the European Union, Britain, the United States, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

Sources from the meeting said that the conference did not propose any new ideas, but discussed the humanitarian situation in Yemen, Griffiths’ efforts and the recently reached Sweden agreement. They all agreed to support the Sweden deal, underlining the need for all sides to commit to it.

E.M