The Speaker of the House participates in the 149th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

On Monday, October 13, Sheikh Sultan Al-Barakani, the Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, participated in the 149th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland. The assembly runs from October 13 to 17 and features parliament leaders and representatives from various countries around the world.

A Message of Solidarity and Grief

In his speech, Al-Barakani began by congratulating the Yemeni people on the 61st anniversary of the October 14 Revolution, a significant turning point in the nation’s history. He expressed pride in representing Yemen but conveyed a somber demeanor. “I apologize for not starting with joy and celebration. I come from a country burdened by wars and suffering inflicted by the Houthi militias and their backers,” he stated, highlighting the dire situation in Yemen.

He described the devastation caused by ongoing conflicts, not only in Yemen but also in Gaza and Lebanon. Al-Barakani condemned the violence perpetrated by Israeli forces over the past year, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Palestinian people. He emphasized the widespread destruction and human suffering resulting from these actions.

The Middle East in Turmoil

Al-Barakani criticized the so-called “axis of evil,” which he identified as Israel and Iran, along with their supporters. He argued that this coalition has turned the Middle East into a volatile region marked by war and destruction. Despite the façade of peace, he asserted that their actions threaten the stability of the entire Arab world.

He also addressed the misuse of technology and artificial intelligence in exacerbating conflicts, stating that Israel has distorted these tools to undermine peace efforts. “Instead of using technological advancements for human development, we witness a new Hiroshima or Nagasaki unfolding in Palestine and Lebanon,” he lamented.

Call for Legislative Action

The Speaker urged national parliaments to take proactive measures to legislate against the harmful use of artificial intelligence. He called on developed nations and international organizations to prioritize the capacity building of developing countries in this crucial field. Al-Barakani emphasized the need to ensure that technological advancements serve humanity rather than facilitate destruction.

Acknowledging Global Solidarity

In his address, Al-Barakani praised individuals around the world who stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Lebanon, acknowledging the severe humanitarian crisis. He expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for upholding the values of the United Nations and international law amidst aggression.

He also thanked countries such as South Africa, Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Nicaragua for their refusal to accept Israel’s actions.

Discussion of Urgent Issues

During the opening session of the IPU General Assembly, Yemeni parliamentary delegates, including Sultan Al-Attawani, Abdullah Al-Katib, Mohammed Al-Qabati, and Saleh Al-Amri, discussed various topics on the agenda. They focused on the role of parliaments in addressing regional and international issues, particularly the urgent matter of the Palestinian cause and recent developments. The assembly agreed to coordinate positions and adopt measures to support Palestine.

This assembly serves as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations to address pressing global issues, including the ongoing crises in the Middle East.

The participation of the Yemeni parliamentary leader in this significant international forum underscores the urgent need for collective action and solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by nations in conflict. As the situation evolves, the role of legislative bodies becomes increasingly vital in advocating for peace and justice.

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