Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Air Strikes on Yemeni Wedding Party, Urges Parties to Resolve Differences through Peaceful Negotiations

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the air strikes that reportedly struck a wedding party in Wahijah village, outside of the Red Sea port city of Mokha in Yemen, killing as many as 135 people.  The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and a swift recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General has consistently stated that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen.  Its continuation will only bring more human suffering and destruction.  Earlier today addressing the United Nations General Assembly, he condemned the disregard shown by all sides for human life.

The Secretary-General, therefore, again calls on all parties involved in the Yemeni conflict, from inside and outside the country, to immediately cease all military activities and resolve all differences through peaceful negotiations facilitated by his Special Envoy.

Any intentional attack against civilians is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law.  Violations of international law should be investigated through prompt, effective, independent and impartial mechanisms to ensure accountability.