Gravely Concerned about Reported Excessive Use of Force by Yemeni Security Forces

against Demonstrators, Secretary-General Urges Immediate Ceasefire

 

The following statement was issued today, 31 May, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the reports of excessive use of force by Yemeni security forces against unarmed demonstrators in Taiz and the escalating fighting in Sana’a and other cities leaving scores of civilians dead, wounded and displaced.  He urges the Government and tribesmen engaged in violent confrontations in Sana’a to return to an immediate ceasefire allowing negotiations to take place.  

The Secretary-General believes that all Yemenis should work towards defusing tensions and come together in a spirit of national unity for the sake of peace and stability in Yemen.

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For information media • not an official record