United Kingdom ousted its ambassador to Yemen, Richard Oppenheim.
The British Foreign Ministry announced the appointment of a new ambassador, Abda Sharif. Sharif is of Pakistani origin and belongs to the Shiite sect.
Britain had previously appointed Sharif to diplomatic posts in Iraq and Lebanon. The new ambassador will officially assume her duties in September.
The current British ambassador had kept his country from playing any role in Yemen after turning the United Kingdom into a stick in the hands of Saudi Arabia.
Richard Oppenheim’s last attempt was to market a British peace initiative through the Security Council, but it did not see the light.
The timing of the decision to appoint a new British ambassador indicates London’s efforts to play a greater role during the coming period, most notably opening a channel of communication with Sana’a, especially as it comes at a time when new UN moves have begun to push for a new settlement in Yemen.
