Benomar: Militias still pose a major threat in Yemen
UN envoy to Yemen calls for more support from Friends of Yemen group
Written by : <
http://www.aawsat.net/author/arafat-madabish> Arafat Madabish
on : Friday, 27 Apr, 2014
Sana'a, Asharq Al-Awsat-Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on Yemen,
Jamal Benomar, briefed the Security Council on Thursday on the latest
developments and progress in the political transition process in Yemen.
During the closed session, Benomar reportedly informed the UN Security
Council that the political transition in the country "remains on track and
is making progress," in addition to discussing the security and economic
challenges Sana'a is facing.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Benomar spoke about Yemen's political
transition, the threat represented by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
(AQAP), and the forthcoming Friends of Yemen meeting in London on April 29.
Asharq Al-Awsat: You have recently been shuttling between Sana'a and Riyadh,
where you have been meeting with Saudi officials. Can you tell us the nature
of these visits?
Jamal Benomar: My recent visit to Saudi Arabia comes within the framework of
discussions held with several countries credited with launching the Gulf
Initiative [which secured a political transition in Yemen in 2011]. We
should not forget that peaceful transformation and transition took place
thanks to the Gulf Initiative and that Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud played a key and
pivotal role in securing the success of the Yemeni political process.
During my visit to the Kingdom I met with deputy Crown Prince Muqrin Bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and Interior
Minister Prince Mohammed Bin Naif. We discussed several issues relating to
the progress achieved so far in the Yemeni political process and the
challenges facing the country. In addition, we discussed cooperation between
the United Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Yemen. The UN
appreciates the [GCC's] role.
Q: Yemen is seeking the help of international donors in order to overcome
the crisis. What role have you played in this regard?
Regarding the Friends of Yemen group, Saudi Arabia will co-chair the next
meeting, along with Britain and the Yemeni government. As you know, the
Friends of Yemen group was first launched in Riyadh, and the Kingdom has
been one of the largest donors and the first country to have demonstrated
commitment to its pledges.
The next meeting will be held in London on April 29 and there is willingness
to hold another high-level conference on the sidelines of the UN General
Assembly meeting next September in New York. The process of supporting Yemen
is underway and there is serious work being done to secure the necessary
support.
Following the successful conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference and
the progress of the political process in Yemen, we are now facing increasing
calls for reform. This requires a significant support from all donor
countries.
Q: Have you faced any obstacles during your recent meetings with the various
political players?
My latest report to the UN included an assessment of the progress achieved
by the political process and how much has been implemented of the remaining
tasks of the power-transfer agreement, in addition to the extent of the
cooperation among the political players to implement all the UN Security
Council's resolutions. The UN Security Council acknowledges that Yemen is
facing a big challenge, but by authorizing sanctions against those who
obstruct the political transition it is also sending the message that it
will not allow obstructers to undermine this great achievement [the success
of the National Dialogue Conference] brought about thanks to the efforts of
the Yemeni people and the support of the GCC.
Q: What is your view of the security situation in Yemen, given the ongoing
violence and assassinations that have so far targeted over 400 intelligence
officers? Can the UN play a specific role in protecting civilians' lives in
Yemen?
Yemen is facing major security challenges and we are anxiously monitoring
what is taking place in several arenas. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
(AQAP) still poses a major threat to Yemen, neighboring countries and the
entire world. We are also anxiously following the recent assassinations
[targeting security officers]. Thus the international community is showing
solidarity with Yemen, which is going through a critical phase and supports
the efforts of the Yemeni people to put an end to the violence and terror.
But the success of the National Dialogue Conference, building a modern
democratic state that accommodates everyone and is in control of all parts
of Yemen, in addition to a number of political, economic and social reforms,
will help reduce extremism and terror in Yemen. From what I can see, there
is a public consensus in Yemen around the need for building a modern Yemeni
state, laying the foundations for good governance and a new system of rule.
All of that will necessarily improve people's living conditions and address
the economic situation.
Q: What role did you personally play in pushing for Yemen's militias to lay
down their arms?
In the National Dialogue Conference, the Yemeni people agreed to end the
so-called armed hostilities and drive militias and gunmen out of the cities.
A state of consensus has been achieved by all political sides. Therefore,
the conference's results were clear and concentrated on the need to disarm
the militias and seize their medium and heavy weapons.
The UN Security Council announced its support for this in its most recent
resolution on Yemen, calling for all parties to support Yemen's efforts to
confront the proliferation of weapons that is threatening security and
stability in the country and the entire region. We support President Abd
Rabbuh Mansur Hadi's efforts on this issue.
Q: Have you been monitoring the recent unrest that has broken out in the
Sana'a and Amran governorates and elsewhere?
We have been following the recent events closely and believe that the
starting point is in implementing what the Yemeni people agreed on in the
National Dialogue Conference. The Yemeni people oppose the establishment of
a state within a state or of parallel armies. The people of Yemen want to
have a strong, modern and democratic state that operates within the
framework of the rule of law and order and respect for human rights. The
international community is in favor of President Hadi's efforts to end the
phenomena of Yemeni militias.
This is an abridged version of an interview originally conducted in Arabic.
Received on Sun Apr 27 2014 - 12:06:19 EDT