Security Council Press Statement on Fighting in Yemen

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana (Rwanda):

The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern about the serious deterioration of the security situation in Yemen in the light of the ongoing violence in Amran.  The members of the Security Council expressed their deep regret at the high number of casualties caused by the violence.

The members of the Security Council demanded that the Houthis, all armed groups and parties involved in the violence withdraw and relinquish control of Amran and hand over weapons and ammunition pillaged in Amran to the national authorities loyal to the Government.  The members of the Security Council further demanded that the all armed groups and other parties involved in the current violence disarm; and urged the existing ceasefire agreements to be swiftly implemented and asked military units to remain committed to their obligation of neutrality at the service of the State.  They encouraged all parties, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and National Dialogue outcomes, to take these steps and to participate peacefully in the transition.  They demanded that the current turmoil should not extend to other parts of the country, including Sana’a.

The members of the Security Council noted with concern that spoilers continue to stoke the conflict in the north in an attempt to obstruct the political transition.  The members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2140 (2014) that introduced targeted sanctions measures against individuals or entities engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability in Yemen, and urged the Panel of Experts as they discharge their duties in accordance with the resolution to look into these spoilers as a matter of urgency and to present expeditiously relevant recommendations to the Committee established pursuant to the resolution 2140 (2014).

The members of the Security Council reminded all parties to comply with their obligations under applicable international humanitarian and human rights law, and stressed the need for all sides to facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to evacuate the wounded and to ensure the delivery of assistance to all populations in need.

The members of the Security Council expressed support to President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi as he leads the political transition and encouraged continued efforts to find a peaceful political solution to the conflict in the north based on the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference.  The members of the Security Council urged all parties to continue to work together to progress Yemen’s transition.

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For information media • not an official record