Muscat – Oman has played a critical role in resolving the Yemen crisis, Tim Lenderking, US special envoy to Yemen, said during a press briefing held on Tuesday.

He appreciated the role of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in bringing parties concerned to the negotiation table and working towards a peaceful resolution of the eight-year conflict.

Responding to a question raised by ONA, Lenderking said, “Oman has played a very helpful role to end this conflict, and in securing the truce. You’ve seen that I have travelled to Muscat almost as much as any other country, and that is because we respect the way the Omanis are supporting the UN-led effort and providing their own offices to influence matters in a positive direction. We welcome the role Oman is playing and are determined to see it continue to do so.”

He added that Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, and Sayyid Badr al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, spoke recently. “They have a very good channel to communicate on issues, and I’m very confident that Oman will continue to play this very positive role. We thank His Majesty the Sultan for the commitment he is demonstrating to help end this conflict.”

According to the US envoy, the current stage needs focus on three basic points – ensuring the truce over the next two months, start talks for a durable ceasefire, and bring the Yemenis to the dialogue table to decide the future of their country.