Security Council Press Statement on Announcement of Cessation of Hostilities in Yemen
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ismael Abraão Gaspar Martins (Angola):
The members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement on 23 March 2016 by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, of a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Yemen, scheduled to begin at midnight on 10 April 2016, and peace talks scheduled to begin on 18 April 2016 in Kuwait. The members of the Security Council welcomed the commitment of all parties both to the cessation of hostilities and to the peace talks. The members of the Security Council urged all parties to the conflict to immediately reduce violence and refrain from any action that could lead to increased tensions, in order to pave the way for a cessation of hostilities. The members of the Security Council called on all parties to engage in the political talks in a flexible and constructive manner, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2216 (2015), without preconditions, and in good faith.
In this regard, the members of the Security Council further welcomed the commitment of all parties to reinforce the De-escalation and Coordination Committee to sustain the cessation of hostilities.
The members of the Security Council urged all parties to fulfil their commitments to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including measures to further ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and they called upon all sides to comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The members of the Security Council further underlined the importance of the delivery of commercial goods and fuel for civilian purposes to all parts of Yemen as a humanitarian imperative.
The members of the Security Council expressed their strong support for the Special Envoy and his tireless efforts in support of the cessation of hostilities and renewed talks.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen.