Veteran diplomat and U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking traveled to Saudi Arabia this week to continue efforts at bringing to a close the ongoing war in Yemen, the State Department and reports confirm.
Lenderking held meetings with senior officials from both the official Yemeni government and the Kingdom and UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, according to Asharq Alawsat. Lenderking’s visit “comes as Griffiths’ peace initiative failed to convince the Houthis to engage in efforts to establish a ceasefire, alleviate the suffering of Yemenis and reboot political negotiations for a final settlement to ongoing Yemeni crises.”
According to the State Department, throughout the trip, Special Envoy Lenderking will discuss the latest efforts to achieve a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire, “which is the only way to bring Yemenis the relief they so urgently need.”
The United States “welcomes the recent Omani trip to Sanaa and the efforts undertaken by the Sultanate to support peace in Yemen. The United States also recognizes Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, which is essential to stability, security, and prosperity in the south of Yemen,” the State Department said.
“Additionally, Special Envoy Lenderking will continue to press for the free flow of essential commodities and humanitarian aid into and throughout Yemen.”
Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on two Houthi military officials as the U.S. and the Saudi-led coalition responded to Houthi aggression in Magrib, where the Iran-aligned group continued to fight. The U.S. also last week announced sanctions on what it called members of a smuggling network that generates tens millions of dollars for Yemen’s Houthis.
Lenderking previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs in the Near East Bureau at the U.S. Department of State. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service.
Meanwhile, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry traveled to the Middle East and North Africa June 13-17 to discuss collaboration on combating climate change and raising climate ambition.
The two sides released a statement at the conclusion of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
[PHOTO: U.S. Special envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking in Riyadh in March 2021.]
