‘Coalition aims to restore peace in Yemen’

MANAMA — Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Abdullateef Rashed Al-Zayani stressed the aim of the Arab coalition was to restore peace and security in Yemen based on the request of its legitimate leadership as a result of the attacks by the anti-legitimacy forces, while expressing optimism about Yemen’s future. He was speaking during the session held Sunday at the regional security summit being organized by the International Institute for Regional Studies in Bahrain. “A big change took place in Yemen represented by the formation of the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia. It started with the operation ‘Decisive Storm’ and ‘Restoration of Hope’ to support the Yemeni people,” he said. He confirmed that the Yemeni people are capable of recovering and overcoming the painful ordeal. “They will build their future with determination and support from their brethren in the GCC countries, the international community and friendly countries,” he added. He said Yemen will have more security, stability and prosperity if an effective and comprehensive strategy is adopted to solve the crisis with all its political, security, economic and social dimensions. Al-Zayani added that the Yemeni crisis is being dealt with a six-pronged strategy. This requires hard work, continuous efforts, cooperation, coordination by all regional and international parties that wish to restore security and stability in Yemen. The first point is to continue military efforts to liberate the Yemeni governorates from the control by the anti-legitimacy forces. The second point is to support the diplomatic efforts being exerted by the UN in cooperation and coordination with the regional countries. Third, is to deliver humanitarian relief aid to the Yemeni people, the fourth is related to the human rights violations in Yemen, fifth is related to building and reconstruction of Yemen and the sixth to continue regional cooperation and coordination to combat terrorism and terrorist organizations. He said the GCC was able to hold a donors’ meeting to provide the urgent needs requested by the Yemeni government reaching $510 million.