U.S. and UN Leaders Address Security Issues in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed security concerns in Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen during a phone call. The talks focused on the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and the African Union’s mission in Somalia, as well as the release of UN personnel detained by Houthis in Yemen. Blinken appreciated Guterres’ leadership in these matters.
In a recent telephone conversation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding pressing security issues in Haiti and Somalia, as well as the plight of detainees in Yemen held by the Houthis. Blinken acknowledged the achievements of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, emphasizing the Haitian government’s request to evolve the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation to ensure sustainable security for its citizens. The two leaders also explored financial avenues for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and strategies aimed at facilitating the release of UN personnel detained by Houthi forces in Yemen. In an unfortunate context, Somalia continues to be plagued by violence attributed to al-Shabaab, a militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda. Blinken expressed his appreciation for Guterres’ persistent leadership in addressing these critical issues. Additionally, the UN reported the arrest of six human rights staff members among other UN personnel in Yemen, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The discussions between Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres occurred amidst ongoing security crises in Haiti and Somalia. Haiti has been facing increasing gang violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, necessitating international security support. Somalia has struggled with terrorism, predominantly from the group al-Shabaab, which has executed numerous attacks over the years. In Yemen, the Houthis hold many detainees, including that of UN employees, raising concerns over human rights. The engagements aimed to reinforce international cooperation in tackling these dire security challenges.
The dialogue between U.S. and UN officials highlights the importance of collaborative international efforts in addressing significant security challenges in Haiti and Somalia, alongside the ongoing human rights concerns in Yemen. The transition of the MSS in Haiti to a UN peacekeeping force, along with the focus on stabilizing Somalia and advocating for detained personnel, indicates a comprehensive approach to enhancing global security and administrative accountability in affected regions.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr