For two months, peace talks have been underway in Kuwait City, in an effort to bring a permanent end to the conflict in Yemen, restoring the legitimate government of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi — an administration that was forcefully and illegally usurped by Al Houthi rebels with arms supplied by and political interference from the government in Tehran.
The talks must lay the foundations on which a new, safe and secure Yemen can thrive, where all are included in its governmental framework and where the institutions of state are supported by its Arab brothers here in the Arabian Gulf. But progress in these talks has not been a smooth process. Yes, on the ground, in Yemen, the fighting is done and peace has been restored. However, in Kuwait city, Al Houthis seem either unwilling or unable to take the next necessary step and negotiate in a meaningful fashion.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is now urging that these talks reach a successful conclusion and has asked all at the table to redouble their efforts in agreeing on a roadmap for permanent peace and stability in Yemen.
Indeed, the comments by Ban are most welcome. It’s also important to remember that the Arab states who intervened militarily in the Saudi-led coalition did so on the basis of a UN Security Council resolution. The UAE, who lost brave members of the Armed Forces in restoring the Hadi administration, is proud to have played its part in this just mission. It is now incumbent upon all parties at the table to find the way forward. It’s all too easy to fight, but it’s much more difficult to give ground around a negotiating table. But that’s what Al Houthis must now do.
