The Speaker of the House meets with several European Union ambassadors to discuss key diplomatic relations.
Meeting Highlights Strong Ties Between Yemen and the European Union
On Monday, Sheikh Sultan al-Barakani, the Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, met with several European ambassadors in the temporary capital of Aden. Accompanying him were members of the presidency, including Engineer Mohammed al-Shadadi and Engineer Mohsen Basra. The ambassadors present included Gabriel Munuera, the European Union Ambassador to Yemen; Janet Sieben, the Dutch Ambassador; Catherine Grame, the French Ambassador; Janina Kopfmueller, the Deputy German Ambassador; and Claire Nanterre, the Political Affairs Officer for the EU mission.
Discussing Bilateral Relations and Current Challenges
During the meeting, the participants discussed the strong bilateral relations between Yemen and European Union countries. They addressed the current economic, financial, and security challenges facing the Yemeni people. The discussion also focused on the necessary European interventions to alleviate the suffering caused by the Houthi militia’s actions.
Al-Barakani briefed the ambassadors on the national developments, highlighting the Houthi militia’s human rights violations and its detrimental impact on the national economy. He pointed out the militia’s actions, which include the destruction of livelihoods, the confiscation of rights and freedoms, illegal taxation, and the erosion of democratic practices. The humanitarian and service conditions in various provinces, particularly in Aden, which suffers from electricity outages, and Taiz, which faces a severe water crisis, were also emphasized.
Security Threats and the Importance of Legislative Action
Al-Barakani outlined the challenges and risks threatening the region’s security and stability, particularly due to the increasing threats from the Houthi militia. He and the members of the parliamentary presidency stressed the importance of convening the Parliament to exercise its legislative and oversight powers over the executive authority. They called for enhanced oversight to support anti-corruption efforts and address the pressing needs of citizens in essential living and service areas.
The Speaker also highlighted the significance of parliamentary committees conducting field visits to assess local authority activities, financial and administrative practices, and public resources. They urged the need to correct existing imbalances and confront those undermining the country’s resources.
European Union Ambassadors Express Support
In response, the European Union ambassadors reaffirmed their countries’ full support for Yemen’s constitutional legitimacy and the enhancement of governmental reforms in liberated provinces. They condemned the Houthi militia’s criminal actions against the Yemeni people, including the arbitrary detention of UN and NGO staff.
The ambassadors also expressed appreciation for the Yemeni government’s positive engagement in efforts to revive the peace process and pave the way for a future that all Yemenis deserve.
This meeting underscores the ongoing commitment of both Yemen and the European Union to work collaboratively in addressing the challenges facing the nation and its people.
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