Pakistan welcomes new Saudi peace initiative to end war in Yemen

The photograph shows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Islamabad on Jan. 22, 2020. (AN photo)
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  • Saudi Arabia’s plan includes a nationwide cease-fire under UN supervision and the reopening of air and sea links
  • Pakistan urges all parties to Yemen conflict to engage in “meaningful dialogue” to end the war, save lives, ensure regional peace

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia’s new peace initiative to end the war in Yemen, the foreign office said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia’s plan includes a nationwide cease-fire under United Nations supervision and the reopening of air and sea links, the kingdom’s foreign minister said earlier on Monday.
 “Pakistan welcomes the peace initiative announced by Saudi Foreign Minister today, offering comprehensive roadmap including cease-fire for negotiated settlement of the Yemeni crisis,” the foreign office said in a statement, adding:
 “Pakistan considers this initiative a step in the right direction. We fully support Saudi efforts for peaceful settlement of the conflict in Yemen and stand in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Pakistan urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in a “meaningful dialogue” to end the war, save thousands of innocent lives and ensure regional peace and stability.

The peace initiative for Yemen would see the reopening of Sanaa airport and easing of restrictions on Hodeidah port.

The initiative, announced by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh, includes a comprehensive cease-fire across the country to be supervised by the UN.

“It is up to the Houthis now,” Prince Faisal said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Prince Faisal in a phone call that he supported efforts to “end the conflict in Yemen, starting with the need for all parties to commit to a cease-fire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.”