Blinken meets UK, France, Germany FMs to discuss peace initiatives for Yemen

The foreign ministers of three European countries met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday to discuss building peace in Yemen amid an escalating situation.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said that he met with his German, French and American counterparts to discuss peace initiatives for Yemen.

“From pushing for peace in Yemen to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, Britain, US, France, Germany stand together as force for good,” Raab tweeted, using emojis of the flags of the four countries in his message.

“Today @ABlinken @HeikoMaas @JY_LeDrian & I met in-person for the first time to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

The meeting came as Houthi rebels continued their advance into the northern province of Marib to capture it from Yemeni government forces.

Read also: Agency: Quarter of civilian casualties in Yemen are children

The Saudi-led coalition has increased strikes in Marib governorate, according to the Yemen Data Project, which found that half of all coalition airstrikes in February struck Marib, making it the most heavily bombed governorate that month.

On Monday, the coalition offered a ceasefire to the Houthis, which was rejected by the rebels.

The proposal included a partial reopening of Sanaa's international airport and the revival of a power-sharing mechanism between the Sanaa-based rebels and the Yemeni government.

There are at least one million displaced people sheltering in Marib region – many in desolate camps in the surrounding desert.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have already been killed and millions displaced in Yemen's long war, which has crippled the economy and healthcare system.

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