U.S. Special Envoy Lenderking Returns from Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, and London

 U.S. Special Envoy Lenderking Returns from Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, and London

01/28/2022 01:49 PM EST

Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Special Envoy Tim Lenderking met with partners in coordination with the UN Special Envoy during his trip to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, and London.  The Special Envoy focused his engagements on the urgent need for de-escalation and protection of civilians, including detained U.S. and UN Yemeni staff in Sana’a, bringing the parties together to support a UN-led inclusive peace process, intensifying efforts to improve economic stability, and pressing for action to improve humanitarian access and address the fuel crisis.  Special Envoy Lenderking continued to raise the U.S. government’s deepening concern regarding humanitarian funding gaps as aid organizations are forced to cut assistance to millions of Yemenis.  The UN estimates that they will need $3.9 billion in 2022 to meet the needs of Yemenis.

During separate conversations in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Muscat, Special Envoy Lenderking reiterated the U.S. government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the defense of their territories, their citizens, and the thousands of U.S. citizens residing in the region whose safety is the top U.S. national security priority.  The Special Envoy also emphasized the U.S. government’s condemnation of the recent Houthi attacks against the UAE and Saudi Arabia that killed civilians, and deep concern about recent reports of civilian casualties from Coalition airstrikes in Yemen.  Special Envoy Lenderking stressed the responsibility of all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including those related to protection of all civilians.

While in London, the Special Envoy participated in a Quint meeting with representatives from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the UK.  UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg joined the Quint to discuss ways to advance a durable political resolution to the conflict.  UN Humanitarian Coordinator David Gressly also briefed during the Quint meeting in detail about the impact of the fighting on the Yemeni people.  During these meetings, Special Envoy Lenderking stressed the U.S. government’s concern with the profound impact of the recent military escalation on civilians.  The Special Envoy also reemphasized the urgent need to bring the parties together to engage constructively in UN-led political talks and to alleviate the suffering of the people in Yemen.

Special Envoy Lenderking urges the parties to de-escalate, seize opportunities for peace in 2022, and cooperate with the international community as we try to help create the space for Yemenis to dialogue and determine their own future.