UN says it welcomes U.S. intent to revoke terrorist designation

The United Nations on Saturday welcomed the announcement of U.S. intention to revoke the designation of the Houthi movement in Yemen as a terrorist organization.

The revocation will provide profound relief to millions of Yemenis who rely on humanitarian assistance and commercial imports to meet their basic survival needs. It will help ensure that much-needed essential goods reach them without significant delays, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a note to correspondents.

At a time when Yemen is at significant risk of famine, maintaining commercial imports and humanitarian assistance in adequate quantities is essential, said the note.

"We hope this positive development will contribute to UN efforts to resume a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process to reach an inclusive, negotiated settlement to the conflict."

The designation came in the very last days of the previous U.S. administration led by Donald Trump. The new administration said Friday that it would revoke the designation.

The move came one day after President Joe Biden announced an end to U.S. support for offensive operations in Yemen and his decision to step up diplomacy and support UN-led initiative to end the war.

(CGTN)