The United States welcomed on Friday Arab exerted diplomatic efforts in support of Yemen, after the recently held talks in Riyadh. A statement by the US State Department noted, "at the end of a three-week trip to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar by US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking, we have seen US diplomatic efforts yield tangible results that improve the lives of Yemenis and advance peace." "The United States supported the UN's efforts to secure a two-month truce, which began on April 2 and provides immediate relief to Yemenis by easing the movement of people and goods, including fuel," the statement said. "In Special Envoy Lenderking's subsequent engagements, he has urged the parties to adhere to the UN truce terms to pave the way for a viable, durable resolution to the conflict. "During his trip, Special Envoy Lenderking continued his advocacy for additional humanitarian assistance to help close funding gaps that have reduced life-saving assistance for millions of Yemenis, as well as for additional economic assistance to address Yemen's growing economic crisis," the statement noted. "In this regard, we welcomed the pledge by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to each provide $1 billion in Bank of Yemen, and Saudi Arabia's pledge to provide $1 billion for development projects and fuel support as well as $300 million for the UN's humanitarian response plan," the statement added. "We must capitalize on this positive, unique momentum by securing a more lasting halt to fighting and a renewed, comprehensive peace process. Yemenis are expressing cautious optimism for the first time in years as a result of the constructive steps in recent weeks. All parties to the conflict must answer Yemenis' demands for peace by choosing dialogue over destruction and cooperating with UN-led peace efforts. There is hard work ahead and the United States remains committed to supporting the people of Yemen's aspirations for a more prosperous and stable future," the statement concluded.— Kuna
