Top UN official calls for Iran's sanctions to be eased
2 Min Read
Martin Griffiths tackles the prospects for Yemeni peace with Iranian officials during his recent visit to Tehran.
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United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths speaking during a press conference (AP)
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths applauded the positive talks he held in Tehran on Tuesday, vowing that the UN will exert strained efforts to ease sanctions on Iran.
Griffiths said the Iranian government has worked closely with the UN to prepare for and respond to the humanitarian crisis in the region while speaking to reporters following a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Griffiths pointed out that the prospects for Yemeni peace have been tackled by Iranian officials.
He also highlighted the UN's initiatives to stop famine in Yemen.
In the same context, Griffiths labeled the establishment of peace as a crucial precondition for delivering aid to Yemen.
Commenting on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the top official affirmed that countries are committed to providing some $4.6 billion in aid to the crisis-hit country.
A flashback
Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen missions in respective countries after a series of talks brokered in Beijing, China under the auspices of Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 10.
Following the agreement, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric indicated that the United Nations hopes that the renewal of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia will positively impact the situation in Yemen.
Discussions are ongoing regarding a permanent ceasefire including ending the war on Yemen and lifting the blockade imposed on the country.
It is noteworthy that this month, Yemen witnessed three batches of prisoner exchange deals. Earlier, the Sanaa government revealed arrangements to hold a new round of negotiations to discuss the release of 1,400 Yemeni prisoners with the Saudi-backed government in May.
