Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said on Monday that the agreement of the Yemeni warring parties to adhere to a number of measures, including a ceasefire, is a “positive step.”
In a statement, Aboul-Gheit said the agreement between the Yemeni parties is a new opportunity to respond to the aspirations of the Yemeni people and helps create conditions conducive to launching an inter-Yemeni political dialogue that leads to lasting peace.
The Arab League chief stressed that the priority now is to respond to the humanitarian crises and ensure not to spread security threats to neighboring countries.
He called on all Yemeni parties to exercise the utmost restraint to make the agreement a success and overcome the serious challenges that threaten Yemen and the entire region.
On Saturday, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg announced that the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the Houthi group have committed to implementing a nationwide ceasefire, lifting economic restrictions, and engaging in preparations to resume inclusive UN-led political negotiations.
Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthis fighting against the internationally-recognized Yemeni government. The Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in the conflict in support of the Yemeni government in 2015. ■
