UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said at a Security Council briefing on Tuesday that he is continuing consultations with the parties to begin discussions leading to a more comprehensive settlement of the conflict.
And the UN envoy’s Twitter account quoted Grundberg as saying that the recent events in Yemen confirm the need to immediately address humanitarian and economic issues, “in order to avoid further deterioration in the living conditions of civilians.”
Grundberg referred to the Houthi attacks on oil terminals and ports in Yemen’s Shabwa and Hadhramawt provinces, saying they are designed to “deprive the Yemeni government of its main source of income from oil exports.”
During his briefing, the envoy indicated that governorates such as Marib and Taiz have seen a “disturbing escalation” in recent weeks in violent incidents, noting that some have resulted in civilian casualties.
He continued: “In addition to efforts related to the renewal of the truce, I am communicating with the parties not only to expand the truce, but also to initiate discussions on the path leading to a more comprehensive settlement of the conflict.”