Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to express the United States’ strong support for the UN Special Envoy’s efforts to extend and expand the UN-mediated truce in Yemen, which expires October 2. The Secretary noted that, after eight years of war, the truce presents Yemen’s best opportunity for peace in years, providing Yemenis much-needed relief and the longest period of relative calm. He expressed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Yemen’s peace efforts, and support for a durable resolution to the conflict that enables Yemenis to determine their future through an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process that addresses the people’s calls for justice and accountability and ends foreign interference. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed that the United States is ready to work with the international community to support Yemen’s peace and recovery, should the Yemeni parties choose peace and extend the truce this Sunday.

The Secretary expressed concerns with recent Houthi actions that prevent the benefits of the truce from reaching millions of Yemenis. He noted that we have urged the Houthis to cease such actions and support the latest UN proposal. Secretary Blinken welcomed the Republic of Yemen Government’s leadership in implementing the truce, including its commitment to paying civil servants, such as nurses and teachers who have not been paid in years; expanding freedom of movement; and ensuring the free flow of fuel throughout Yemen.