Brussels, Apr. 08, 2022, SPA -- The European Union welcomed Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi's decision to transfer his powers to a presidential leadership council, appreciating the role the GCC has played for convening intra-Yemeni talks in support of the efforts of the UN envoy Hans Grundberg which led to this development. In a statement, Peter Stano, Spokeperson of the EU External Affairs and Security Policy, said this encouraging move underpins the recent, UN-brokered, two-month truce between parties to the conflict, and could create further momentum for an inclusive political settelement of the conflict. We encourage all active parties, particularly the Houthis, to respect the truce and engage with Grundberg without preconditions, said the statement. The EU also welcomed Saudi Arabia and the UAE's announcement of substantial financial support, and the Kingdom's announcement on fuel assistance and contributions to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan, noting that this assistance provides vital support for the people of Yemen. --SPA 13:45 LOCAL TIME 10:45 GMT 0009 www.spa.gov.sa/w1718772