BRUSSELS — The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the European Union Ambassador Saad Al-Arifi affirmed that the call of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen for a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen came as an extension of the Kingdom's leadership in supporting the Yemeni people, and to stand with Yemen in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

Ambassador Al-Arifi said that the statement of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, through which he welcomed the Kingdom's announcement of a ceasefire on behalf of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, is a testimony from the European Union and the international community regarding the Kingdom's positive attitude towards the Yemeni people and the will of Saudi Arabia’s leadership to avoid more suffering for Yemeni people.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait Cabinet too welcomed the ceasefire initiative in Yemen, in response to the call by the United Nations Secretary-General.

The Cabinet’s appreciation came in its extraordinary meeting held Friday, chaired by Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, to follow up on the repercussions of the spread of the novel Coronavirus at the global, regional and local levels and the possibilities resulting from the continuation of this unprecedented health crisis.

The Cabinet stressed that this decision reflects a high awareness of the emergency conditions imposed on the world and our region due to the spared of the coronavirus and a sincere desire to spare the Yemeni society the consequences of this disaster.

It also expressed hope that the Houthi militia would respond to this noble humanitarian initiative as a basis for resumption of negotiations leading to a comprehensive and lasting solution in Yemen under the auspices of the United Nations.

In Amman, the president of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Eng. Atef Tarawneh also welcomed the Yemen truce.

He praised the announcement of the ceasefire as a positive and constructive gesture that reflects the principle of giving priority to the Arab interests as well as the humanitarian goals to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, confront the spread of the deadly coronavirus, and create the conditions to activate diplomatic means and reach a comprehensive and just political solution to the crisis in Yemen.

Tarawneh highly appreciated all forms of support being provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan in Yemen. — SPA