Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Yemen

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued on 24 September by Council President Nawaf Salam (Lebanon):

In view of the heightened tensions and continuing violence in Yemen, the members of the Security Council urged all sides, in the period after President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s return to Yemen on 23 September 2011, to reject violence, including against peaceful and unarmed civilians, and show maximum restraint.  They called on all parties to move forward urgently in an inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led process of political transition, on the basis of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, that meets the needs and aspirations of the Yemeni people for change.  They also called upon all the parties to respect their obligations under applicable international law.

The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern at the continued serious deterioration of the economic and humanitarian situation in Yemen.   They were deeply concerned at the worsening security situation, including the threat from Al-Qaida in parts of Yemen.

The members of the Security Council urged parties to ensure access for the provision of humanitarian assistance, expressed their concern about the increasing interruption of basic supplies and urged all parties not to target vital infrastructure.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the continued efforts of the good offices of the Secretary-General and the Gulf Cooperation Council.  They looked forward to an update on the situation from Special Adviser Jamal Benomar on his return from Sana’a.  They agreed to continue to actively monitor the security, political and humanitarian situation there.

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For information media • not an official record