Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2204 (2015), Security Council Authorizes One-Year Extension of Yemen Sanctions Regime

The Security Council this morning extended for one year sanctions on those threatening stability in Yemen, as well as the mandate of the Panel of Experts who assist the committee that oversees those measures.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2204 (2015) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council extended until 26 February 2016 the assets freeze and travel ban that were imposed by resolution 2140 (2015) to help stem the crisis in the Gulf country that threatened its ongoing political transition.  The mandate of the Panel of Experts of the 2140 Committee was extended to 25 March 2016.

By the text, the Council urged all parties and all Member States, as well as international, regional and subregional organizations to ensure cooperation with the Panel of Experts in order for it to execute its mandate.   Member States were also called on to report to the Committee within 90 days on steps they’d taken to implement sanctions.

The meeting began at 10:08 a.m. and ended at 10:10 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2204 (2015) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions 2014 (2011), 2051 (2012), 2140 (2014), 2201 (2015) and the statements of its President dated 15 February 2013 (S/PRST/2013/3) and 29 August 2014 (S/PRST/2014/18) concerning Yemen,

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen,

“Expressing concern at the ongoing political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges in Yemen, including the ongoing violence, and threats arising from the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of weapons,

“Reiterating its call for all parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refrain from provocation,

“Expressing its support for and commitment to the work of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, in support of the Yemeni transition process,

“Recalling the listing of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and associated individuals on the Al-Qaida Sanctions List established by the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) and stressing in this regard the need for robust implementation of the measures in paragraph 1 of resolution 2161 (2014) as a significant tool in combating terrorist activity in Yemen,

“Noting the critical importance of effective implementation of the sanctions regime imposed pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), including the key role that Member States from the region can play in this regard and encouraging efforts to further enhance cooperation,

“Determining that the situation in Yemen continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Reaffirms the need for the full and timely implementation of the political transition following the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and in accordance with resolutions 2014 (2011), 2051 (2012) and 2140 (2014), and with regard to the expectations of the Yemeni people;

“2.   Decides to renew until 26 February 2016 the measures imposed by paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014), and reaffirms the provisions of paragraphs 12, 13, 14 and 16 of resolution 2140 (2014);

“Designation Criteria

“3.   Reaffirms that the provisions of paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014) shall apply to individuals or entities designated by the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 19 of resolution 2140 (2014) (‘the Committee’) as engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Yemen;

“Reporting

“4.   Decides to extend until 25 March 2016 the mandate of the Panel of Experts as set out in paragraph 21 of resolution 2140 (2014), expresses its intention to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding the further extension no later than 25 February 2016, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures as expeditiously as possible to re-establish the Panel of Experts, in consultation with the Committee, for a period of 13 months from the date of this resolution, drawing, as appropriate, on the expertise of the members of the Panel established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014);

“5.   Requests the Panel of Experts to provide a midterm update to the Committee no later than 24 September 2015, and a final report no later than 24 February 2016 to the Security Council, after discussion with the Committee;

“6.   Directs the Panel to cooperate with other relevant expert groups established by the Security Council to support the work of its Sanctions Committees, in particular the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team established by resolution 1526 (2004) and extended by resolution 2161 (2014);

“7.   Urges all parties and all Member States, as well as international, regional and subregional organizations to ensure cooperation with the Panel of Experts and further urges all Member States involved to ensure the safety of the members of the Panel of Experts and unhindered access, in particular to persons, documents and sites, in order for the Panel of Experts to execute its mandate;

“8.   Emphasizes the importance of holding consultations with concerned Member States, as may be necessary, in order to ensure full implementation of the measures set forth in this resolution;

“9.   Calls upon all Member States to report to the Committee within 90 days of the adoption of this resolution on the steps they have taken with a view to implementing effectively the measures imposed by paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014);

“10.  Reaffirms its intention to keep the situation in Yemen under continuous review and its readiness to review the appropriateness of the measures contained in this resolution, including the strengthening, modification, suspension or lifting of the measures, as may be needed at any time in light of developments;

“United Nations involvement

“11.  Requests the Secretary-General to continue his good offices role, notes with appreciation the work of his Special Adviser, Jamal Benomar, and stresses the importance of the United Nations’ close coordination with international partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, Group of Ambassadors in Sana’a, and other actors, in order to contribute to the successful transition;

“12.  Further requests the Secretary-General to continue to coordinate assistance from the international community in support of the transition, and to propose options for strengthening the office of the Special Adviser to enable him to fulfil his mandate, including on United Nations assistance for finalizing and adopting the draft constitution, undertaking electoral reform, holding general elections, and creating mechanisms for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well as security sector reform;

“13.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”