UN’s Saudi-Yemen Truce Established for Two Months, Including Opening of Hodeidah Port

April 2, 2022 (EIRNS)—UN Secretary-General António Guterres proudly announced yesterday a UN-brokered, two-month truce, ending all fighting in Yemen and all cross-border attacks. He commended the Saudi-recognized government of Yemen, the Saudi-led Coalition, and the Houthi government in Sana’a for the initial agreement. He also urged all parties to make the necessary arrangements to support the successful implementation of the truce and to operationalize cooperation mechanisms without delay.

The agreement means the halting of all offensive military air, ground, and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders. Importantly, the Saudis will allow ships into Hodeidah port and commercial flights’ use of the Sana’a airport. Guterres commented: “This truce, which has the possibility of renewal, coincides with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. It opens the door to addressing Yemen’s urgent humanitarian and economic needs and creates a genuine opportunity to restart Yemen’s political process.” It “must be a first step to ending Yemen’s devastating war.”

The Secretary-General expressed the hope that these steps will contribute to building trust and creating a conducive environment to resume negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, and urged the parties to cooperate in good faith and without preconditions with his Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg. He highlighted that the aim must be a negotiated political settlement “that addresses the legitimate concerns and aspirations of all Yemenis.... Today must be the start of a better future for the people of Yemen.”