US, Netherlands support UN goal to raise the US $ 144 million for Yemeni oil
The United States and the Netherlands reinforce UN efforts to manage and prevent the economic, environmental, and humanitarian threats posed by the Yemeni oil tanker Safer in the Red Sea region.
On Friday, Dutch Ambassador to the United States André Haspels hold a meeting followed by US Special Envoy Lenderking, Yemeni Ambassador to the United States Mohammed Al-Hadrami, and representatives of the diplomatic community in Washington.
They emphasized the significance of raising $ 144 million to fund the UN operational plan, which includes $ 80 million for an emergency operation to dump the oil from the decaying tanker onto a temporary vessel, a joint official statement said.
In a grant event jointly managed by the United Nations and the Netherlands earlier this month, nearly half of the funds needed for the emergency procedure were introduced, but more was urgently needed to move forward.
Safer is a rapidly deteriorating and unstable oil tanker that could spill, leak or burst at any time and could severely disrupt shipping routes in the Gulf region and other industries across the Red Sea, unleash an environmental disaster, and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
By October, strong winds and unstable currents will make the UN operation more dangerous and increase the risk of shipbreaking. In the event of a spill, the cleanup alone is expected to cost $ 20 billion.
“We urge public and private donors to consider generous contributions to help prevent losses, spills or explosions, the effects of which would destroy livelihoods, tourism, and trade on one of the world’s vital shipping routes.” the declaration said.
Last month, Lenderking and Dutch Ambassador to Yemen Peter Derrek Hof joined UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen David Gressly on a trip to the Gulf to raise awareness of the imminent risks Safer poses to the whole. region.
“The international community, including the private sector, must act now to address the impending threats posed by Safer,” the statement said.
