Egypt Affirms Support for Humanitarian Truce and Political Solution in Yemen

Egypt Affirms Support for Humanitarian Truce and Political Solution in Yemen

In a bid to bring stability and progress to Yemen, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a meeting with Rashad al-Alimi, the President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in New York. Taking place during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, the meeting was centered around the current circumstances in Yemen, recent peace initiatives, and efforts made by Saudi Arabia and Oman to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.

Expressing Egypt’s unwavering support for the establishment of a humanitarian truce and a lasting political solution that respects Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, Shoukry stressed the country’s commitment to help alleviate Yemen’s economic and humanitarian burdens. The discussion also shed light on the outcomes of the recent talks held in Riyadh with a Yemeni delegation from Sanaa.

Egypt’s Role in Yemen’s Stability

Alimi demonstrated gratitude towards Egypt, its president, and its people for their supportive role in trying to stabilize Yemen and seek a permanent resolution to the conflict. Furthermore, he appreciated Egypt’s efforts in hosting many Yemeni refugees and providing them with the necessary care.

In the meeting, Shoukry expressed the goodwill and support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi towards Yemen, wishing for the country’s stability, security, and progress. The overall sentiment of the meeting was cooperative, with a shared goal of restoring peace and stability in Yemen.

Riyadh’s Role in the Peace Process

In a significant confidence-building measure, the conclusion of talks in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, which were facilitated by Saudi Arabia and Oman, was followed by an announcement from the International Committee of the Red Cross about the initiation of an exchange of nearly 900 detainees. This move signaled progress in the peace talks and the shared goal of a permanent ceasefire from all participating parties.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these positive steps, challenges persist. The main sticking points include the payment of civil servant salaries, which the Houthi movement has insisted include armed forces using oil revenue, and a timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. The Yemeni factions vying for influence add another layer of complexity to the situation.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a southern separatist group that is part of the anti-Houthi alliance and the PLC, has expressed support for these peace initiatives but has also specified conditions that it would not accept, such as oil revenue sharing between the north and south, and the use of southern resources to pay salaries.