Washington to continue efforts to ensure a stable peace in Yemen، Tim Lenderking says
After the first anniversary of the cease-fire between the warring parties، US Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking stated on Tuesday that Washington would continue efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the nation.
"We're going all the way. It goes beyond simply calling for a new cease-fire and a fresh start. We wish to assist the Yemeni people and the surrounding area، Mr. Lenderking said.
He delivered his words at a speech at the Middle East Institute in Washington during a symposium examining how to move ahead in Yemen، which the UN considers to be the country experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in history.
In order to continue his "intensive" efforts to advance the UN-mediated ceasefire، the US envoy travelled to Saudi Arabia and Oman on a journey to the area that ended in March.
He encouraged the world community to take advantage of the opportunity and voiced optimism for a durable peace.
"This is a positive time. And during the past eight years، we haven't been able to say that very often about wars in the Middle East، especially not about Yemen، Mr. Lenderking added.
"When the war started، Yemen only had this one chance at peace. The wonderful developments that are taking place here must be fully utilised.
President Joe Biden marked the anniversary of the truce on Sunday، praising it for saving "countless lives” and calling for all parties to take steps towards a lasting peace agreement.
After more than eight years of war، more than 17.8 million people، including 9.2 million children، lack access to safe water، sanitation and hygiene services، according to the UN.
The country continues to experience regular outbreaks of cholera، measles، diphtheria and other preventable diseases.
The UN hosted a meeting in February in a bid to raise $4.3 billion to provide support and protection for millions of people in the country.