The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, confirmed that the operation to open Sana’a International Airport is continuing to operate the first commercial flight.
The UN envoy said in a press conference upon his departure from Sana’a today “There is a welcome from all concerned parties to open Sana’a International Airport, and we did not face any obstacles in this aspect.”
Grundberg described his visit to the capital, Sana’a, and his discussions with officials in Sana’a, as constructive, positive, and hopeful to continue the work.
He said “We have seen the importance of the much-needed entry of fuel ships to the ports of Hodeidah, and preparations are being made for a meeting to agree on opening roads in Taiz and other governorates.”
He expressed his hope that the entry of oil derivatives ships would contribute to solve the fuel crisis, stressing the need for more fuel ships to continue entering Hodeidah port steadily during the truce period.
The UN envoy pointed out that the truce is holding in general until now, stressing the importance of the parties’ commitment to the truce.
“We have to pay attention to the challenges, as we rely on the parties’ continued commitment and serious engagement in order to implement and preserve the truce so that the parties engage in dialogue with each other in good faith” he said.
He also stressed that the armistice is an opportunity to end the conflict and reach peace that meets the legitimate aspirations of Yemenis, and the responsibility is shared to achieve what the Yemeni people aspire to.
The UN envoy stated that during the three-day visit, mechanisms for implementing the truce with all its components and ways to build on were discussed as a step towards a comprehensive political solution to the conflict.
He said “Since the truce entered into action on the April 2nd , and despite frequent and alarming reports of violations, we have seen a significant general decrease in hostilities, and there are no confirmed reports of air strikes or cross-border attacks.”
At his farewell was the Director General of Sana’a Airport, Khaled Al-Shayef, and decrees from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
