Yemen government criticize ‘one-sided’ UN proposal on Taiz

 

In an effort to break the impasse after the Houthis, who are supported by Iran, rejected Hans Grundberg's initial proposal, the besieged city of Taiz would have its highways opened, according to the Yemeni government.

The Yemeni government said that it was not contacted before to the proposal's creation and that it is "biased" in favor of the Houthis.

In an effort to break the deadlock during talks between the Yemeni government and the Houthis in the Jordanian capital of Amman, Grundberg first recommended opening a main route and numerous small secondary roads running into and out of Taiz.

The Houthis rejected the proposal and insisted on opening the dated, unpaved, and small roads, whilst the Yemeni government accepted it.

The leader of the government's team at the discussions in Amman, Abdul Kareem Shaiban, claimed that the envoy's latest plan, which suggests opening only tiny roads that do not lessen the agony of tens of thousands of people who live under the Houthi siege, has taken into account Houthi demands.

In a telephone interview with Arab News, he said, "He should have sat with us before making the proposal that has removed the need for opening the main route known as Softeel, which connects Taiz with Aden and Sanaa." "We have come full circle."

Shaiban criticized the UN envoy for abandoning his earlier plan and supporting the Houthi demands, claiming that the Yemeni government team was not invited to Amman to debate the new proposal.

In response to criticism from the government, the UN Yemen envoy's office told Arab News that Grundberg has actively engaged with both parties to push for the full implementation of the truce's provisions, such as opening roads in Taiz, and that any fresh ideas or proposals on related matters are discussed with both parties.

Road opening draft plans and possibilities have been presented and debated with both sides in Taiz and other governorates. The UN emphasizes the necessity of displaying the political will to negotiate a deal as soon as possible in order to make real progress, the office stated.

Under the terms of the UN-mediated agreement, which took effect on April 2, the Yemeni government permitted travelers with Houthi-issued passports to fly on Yemenia Airways, facilitated the arrival of fuel ships to the Hodeidah seaport, and allowed commercial flights to resume from the Houthi-controlled airport in Sanaa.

The Houthis have ceased fighting, most notably their devastating onslaught on Marib, the capital city, but they have steadfastly refused to end their siege of Taiz, a crucial component of the ceasefire.

Shaiban proposed opening five routes that connect the city with neighboring provinces in a letter that was delivered to the UN Yemen envoy on Tuesday, including two roads that were mentioned in the envoy's initial request.

We guarantee that these routes are secure, fulfill the humanitarian component, and benefit the populace, the man stated.

According to the UN representative for Yemen, military representatives from the Houthis and the Yemeni government met this week in Amman and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the cease-fire by refraining from hostilities and military operations throughout Eid celebrations. Additionally, both parties concurred that they would work together to maintain the cease-fire, foster trust, and lessen Yemeni citizens' suffering.

According to a statement from Grundberg, "the parties agreed to continue discussions focused on preventing or reducing military personnel and equipment movements and means of exercising effective operational control as much as possible to ensure that all forces understand and comply with their obligations in the truce."