US committed to UN truce and ‘better future’ for Yemen, says US envoy
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Tim Lenderking, US special envoy for Yemen, says the United States can be counted on to continue its strong diplomatic effort in Yemen, but the core responsibilities for peace lie with the parties themselves.
A two-month truce that began April 2 is holding so far and giving rare hope to Yemenis who have suffered through a now six-year war.
"I am encouraged," said US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. The "parties have taken some significant steps here, significant compromises to agree to this truce."
And "the truce is largely being adhered to," he added. "The amount of violence and military activity has dropped off precipitously after April 2. This is a huge development for Yemenis that allows open corridors, more access for humanitarians."
Lenderking, who was appointed envoy on Feb. 4, 2021, credits the Biden administration’s "strong emphasis on diplomacy and restoring key relationships" as instrumental in the recent progress.
