There is renewed hope of bringing an end to eight year long war in Yemen following desire expressed by both Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran to normalise their relations. If it so happens, it will mark a major milestone in stabilising the Middle East. There are media reports that Saudi and Omani envoys are planning to visit Yemen’s capital Sanaa very soon to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi rebels.
A visit by Saudi officials is an indication of progress in Oman-mediated talks between the KSA and Iranian backed Houthi rebels, which run in parallel to United Nations peace efforts. We pray that efforts being made for peace succeed as the war, as always, has only wreaked death and destruction. Almost one hundred and fifty thousand people have already got killed while the remaining Yemeni population is faced with a serious humanitarian crisis. It will be unfair not to commend the resolve shown by Saudi leadership which has not only been forthcoming in providing humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni but has always been at the forefront to end this war through dialogue and diplomacy as the Kingdom is more focused on diversifying economy under the Vision 2030.
The Saudi Foreign Minister is on record saying that his country believes in possibility of a negotiated solution, the first step of which could be signing of a new ceasefire. Riyadh’s desire for peace must be fully reciprocated. We understand that signing the permanent ceasefire will not be an easy task. Especially there could be difference of opinion on matters such as future makeup of Yemeni government and distribution of oil revenue. The parties will have to demonstrate greater flexibility in their respective stances while realising that this long war has given them nothing but only pain and misery to the Yemeni people. It is time to heal the wounds of Yemeni people and ending the war will be the first step towards that direction as only after that the process of reconstruction and rebuilding will start, for which international community will have to play its part.
