Washington calls for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities in Yemen

The United States of America called on the parties to the conflict in Yemen to “secure a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and to choose dialogue over destruction.”

This came in a statement issued by the US State Department, which was published on its website on Friday evening, Washington time.

The statement said that the US envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, “concluded a three-week visit to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar.”

The statement added: “We have witnessed US diplomatic efforts that yield tangible results that improve the lives of Yemenis and promote peace.”

He continued, “The United States has supported the United Nations’ efforts to secure a two-month truce that began on April 2 and provides immediate relief to Yemenis by facilitating the movement of people and goods, including fuel.”

In his subsequent meetings, Lenderking urged the parties to abide by the terms of the armistice set by the United Nations to pave the way for a permanent and viable solution to the conflict, according to the statement.

The statement stressed the need to “take advantage of this unique and positive momentum by securing a permanent cessation of hostilities and a renewed and comprehensive peace process.”

And he added, “All parties to the conflict must respond to Yemenis’ demands for peace by choosing dialogue over destruction and cooperating with the peace efforts led by the United Nations.”

On April 1, the UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, announced that the parties to the conflict had agreed to a two-month truce that could be extended.

It began the next day with an earlier welcome from the Saudi-led Arab coalition, government forces, and the pro-Iranian Houthis.

For more than 7 years, Yemen has been witnessing a continuous war between forces loyal to the legitimate government backed by an Arab military coalition led by the neighboring Saudi Arabia.

As well as the Iranian-backed Houthis who have controlled governorates, including the capital, Sanaa, since September 2014.