Security Council calls on Yemeni parties to speed up peace efforts

In a statement issued to the press, the 15-member body emphasized the need for a peaceful, orderly, inclusive and Yemeni-led transition process, and reiterated its call on all parties to “resume and accelerate” UN-brokered inclusive political consultations.

The talks will be convened in the region next week by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who yesterday welcomed the commitment of the Government, the Houthis and the General People's Congress to participate.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their call on Yemeni parties to attend the announced talks and any such future talks and engage without preconditions and in good faith, including by resolving their differences through dialogue and consultations, rejecting acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refraining from provocation and all unilateral actions to undermine the political transition,” said today’s statement.

They also expressed their support and appreciation for the efforts of the Special Envoy, who will continue to engage with all Yemeni stakeholders to take steps towards a durable ceasefire and a mechanism for the withdrawal of forces, release of political prisoners and the resumption of an inclusive political transition process.

In addition, the Council expressed deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, including the food insecurity already facing millions of Yemenis across the country and the increasing risk of famine.

They encouraged the international community to contribute to the $1.6 billion UN humanitarian appeal, which was currently only around 24 per cent funded.

Photo: UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz