Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s efforts to bring security and stability to Yemen have been lauded after the Kingdom unveiled a framework to resolve the feud between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council and implement their power-sharing deal.

Welcoming the latest developments with regard to the resumption of the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, the United Arab Emirates expressed its hope to accelerate its implementation to end the Yemeni crisis, noting the agreement’s aims to achieve security, stability, peace, and development in Yemen.

In a statement on Wednesday, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation commended the Saudi leadership for enabling progress in the agreement’s implementation and its support for efforts to serve the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people and contribute towards the country’s stability and security.

The UAE’s ministry stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation among Yemeni forces to prioritize the greater national interest and confront threats facing Yemen, especially the Houthi militia.

Egypt commended the efforts and keenness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement the Riyadh Agreement.

In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt expressed its appreciation for the role of the UAE in supporting the political solution in Yemen and complementing the efforts of Saudi Arabia.

It also welcomed the responsiveness of the legitimate Yemeni government and the STCl to the new mechanism, with a view to overcoming existing obstacles and giving priority to the interests of the Yemeni people and creating the atmosphere for the resumption of the political process with a view to reaching a comprehensive solution to the Yemeni crisis based on Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue, and Security Council Resolution 2216.

Saudi proposal to end the feud in southern Yemen was also backed by Bahrain.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain notes that this initiative reflects the Saudi keenness to unite the Yemeni people and ensure Yemen's security, stability and territorial integrity," a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain affirms its support for all the tireless efforts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to reach a lasting political solution that preserves security and stability for the Republic of Yemen in accordance with the Gulf Initiative and its Executive Mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue and Security Council Resolution 2216. The Kingdom of Bahrain also reiterates its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its strategic role to protect the security and stability of the region," the statement added.

The United Kingdom, one of the key European powers, expressed its support for the Saudi initiative.

In a statement UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Dominic Raab said: "The Riyadh Agreement is a key step towards a sustainable, peaceful resolution to the Yemen conflict. This announcement represents important progress."

He added: "I encourage all the Yemeni parties to continue this spirit of negotiation and compromise".

The United States also welcomed the move with Ambassador of the United States to Saudi Arabia John Abizaid issuing a statement.

"The United States welcomes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s proposal to accelerate the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. We commend Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, as well as Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman, for working to bring the parties together to restore unity in Yemen. By bringing together the Republic of Yemen Government and the Southern Transitional Council, the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement will represent a major step toward lasting peace for the people of Yemen. A peaceful and united Yemen is essential for regional stability and to address the urgent needs of the Yemeni people. An enduring solution will require compromise from all sides, and we reiterate our continued support for United Nations-led efforts to advance the political process," the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Arab Parliament and Gulf Cooperation Council rallied behind Saudi Arabia in its efforts to secure peace and stability in Yemen.

In a statement, President of the Arab Parliament Dr. Mishaal Bin Fahm Al-Sulami the framework proposed by Saudi Arabia is a continuation of the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen the unity of Yemen and achieve its security and stability. It will also contribute to unifying the Yemeni people and activating state institutions, implementing humanitarian projects and speeding up the development to benefit the Yemeni people and alleviate their suffering.

Al-Sulami called on all parties to accelerate the implementation of this mechanism, give priority to the interests of the Yemeni people and unite efforts to face the Houthi militias.

Secretary-General of Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Naif Al-Hajraf also praised the two parties' commitment to the mechanism, with a view to overcoming existing obstacles, giving priority to the interests of the Yemeni people and creating the atmosphere for the Yemeni government to commence its work in Aden to bring the Yemeni crisis to an end.

Dr. Al-Hajraf confirmed GCC’s keenness to restore security and stability in Yemen and its return as an active member in the Gulf and Arab arenas.