Conflict and Peace

An Omani delegation visiting Sanaa met with the leader of the Houthi movement, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. In the meeting, several humanitarian and political issues were discussed. Local reports suggest that there is near consensus on opening the country's main ports.

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.

Local authorities in the Yemeni province of Marib have called on the international community to take a stand against what they described as Houthis' crimes against civilians in the province. The remarks came after 14 civilians were killed by an attack on a petrol station in Marib. 

Less than three weeks before crucial parliamentary elections in Armenia, France embraced the Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, who was on a short working visit to Paris. At a meeting at the Elysee Palace, France's president, Emmanuel Macron, assured Pashinyan that "France will always be at Armenia's side".