Blinken and Yemen PM discuss cease-fire after Saudi peace initiative
SMA NEWS – LONDON
The US secretary of state called for a nationwide cease-fire in Yemen and a “durable peace agreement” during a phone call with the country’s prime minister on Thursday.
“Secretary (Antony) Blinken welcomed the Republic of Yemen Government’s support for a comprehensive, nationwide cease-fire and UN-led political talks and its continued engagement with UN Special Envoy Griffiths,” the State Department said.
Saudi Arabia announced a new peace initiative on Monday to end the six-year war.
The initiative included a comprehensive cease-fire, the reopening of Sanaa airport, easing restrictions on Hodeidah port and a resumption of political negotiations.
The US welcomed the initiative on Monday and Blinken told Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan that Washington supported efforts to end the conflict, “starting with the need for all parties to commit to a cease-fire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.”
US envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking also welcomed Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government’s commitment to a cease-fire and political process.
During the call on Thursday, Blinken thanked Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek Saeed for his efforts to ease the suffering of Yemenis, including authorizing the arrival of four fuel ships at Hodeidah port on Wednesday.
