Tokyo: Peace in Yemen has entered a "dark phase" due to the Houthis' destabilizing actions

Japan has confirmed that peace in Yemen has entered a "dark phase" due to the destabilizing actions of the Houthis.

"The peace file had a bright moment in 2023 when the country seemed to be moving towards achieving it," Japan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mikanagi Tomohiro, said during a Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen on Wednesday.

"But, unfortunately, now is a dark moment, as the peace process has been dragged out amid continued destabilizing actions by the Houthis and regional escalation," he added.

"The people of Yemen have desired security, stability and prosperity for more than a decade. Japan calls on the parties to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people and restore momentum to the peace talks," he continued, hoping that the UN envoy's tireless efforts will yield tangible progress towards achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace in Yemen.

Tomohiro referred to the attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against cargo ships or those targeting Israel, explaining that these attacks "threaten international peace and security."

The Japanese diplomat called on the Houthis to immediately stop their reckless attacks and release the Galaxy Leader and its 25 crew members who have been detained for more than a year.