UAE- Saudi led coalition gains benefit us all: paper
Date
10/8/2015 4:48:14 AM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI 8th October 2015 (WAM) -- A UAE paper has said that the Saudi-led coalition fighting to re-establish Yemen's internationally recognised government has made significant gains in the province that overlooks the Bab El Mandeb the vital strait between Yemen and the Horn of Africa that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
"With this will come reassurances to international shippers that the route to the strategically important Suez Canal will remain secure and open to the transit of international trade" said The National in an editorial today.
Last weekend coalition forces also recaptured the strategic island of Mayoun in the middle of the strait and are poised to make further gains against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the province.
The paper went on to say "While there had been concerns that control of Taez province by the Houthis could imperil the free flow of shipping the coalition's advance and entrenchment there will provide comfort that there will no longer be any danger of unfriendly forces along and in the waters.
"This should translate into lower insurance costs for shipping a premium that international trade can ill afford in these difficult times. In a way the coalition's advance is also a victory for consumers around the world for people far removed from the cauldron of war.
"The strait is the world's fourth busiest maritime artery for oil transport. Trade in crude oil and petroleum products via Bab El Mandeb has increased steadily in recent years growing from 2.7 million barrels per day in 2010 to almost 4.7 million last year.
"Apart from the movement of international manufactured goods the increasing security of the coastline augurs well for Yemenis themselves. Before war descended on the country fish and fish products were said to be the second-largest exportsit is that crucial an industry.
"Today as security ripples across the shorelines more Yemenis can return to sea to rebuild their businesses and provide for their families. Such is the accretion of economic value that accompanies the coalition's accumulated successes on the military front lines.
"Indeed while the accounts of war from Thucydides to present-day news reports cannot but dwell on men fighting each other we do well to remind ourselves what those on the side of good are fighting for: the security of men women and children and their ability to provide for their present and their future" concluded the daily.
WAM/Esraa/Moran