Germany Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Schneider called on the Houthi rebels to reassess their choices and to decide whether they want to be partners in peace or continue along the path of conflict and division. He also called on the Yemeni parties to discuss their internal disputes to reach settlements and agreements that can allow them to move forward together effectively.
Asked about Germany’s position on the Houthis and its control of the capital, Sanaa, the ambassador, told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview, that Berlin has been following the situation in Yemen. He said it was unfortunate that the conflict had been militarized and that the Houthis had seized large swathes of the country.
Appointed to his post in August, he expressed Germany’s deep concern over the attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militants against shipping in the Red Sea and their abduction of United Nations staff.
On coordination with Saudi Arabia, Schneider said the Kingdom plays a central and pioneering role in the Arab and Muslim worlds. Its stance on Yemen is very important for Germany.
A solution to the crisis in Yemen cannot be reached without Saudi Arabia, he stressed.
On Iran, Schneider said it must not be a threat to its neighbors or the international community, adding that if it truly wanted to bolster regional stability, then Yemen was the ideal place to prove its good intentions.
He added that Iran is the Houthis’ top backer and so it must ask itself what type of role it wants to play in the region: does it want to be part of the solution or part of the problem?
Germany has disputes with Iran over a number of issues, such as its nuclear file, but it is still an important country in the region, he acknowledged. It needs to act in a way that does not threaten its neighbors or the world, he urged.