Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The members of the UN Security Council expressed their strong support for efforts to reach a comprehensive cease-fire and to hold inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni talks under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy, based on the agreed terms of reference and in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the members of the Security Council welcomed the recent agreement reached in Geneva between the Government of Yemen and the Houthis on the release of hundreds of detainees held for reasons related to the conflict.
According to the United Nations news bulletin, a copy of which we received via e-mail, the members expressed their aspiration to implement the agreement during the blessed month of Ramadan, and encouraged the continuation of dialogue and progress on the path of confidence-building measures to work on the path of a political settlement and alleviate the suffering of Yemenis.
The members of the UN Security Council strongly condemned the recent escalation by the Houthis, including the targeting of senior government officials in Taiz. They urged them to refrain from incitement, and to give priority to the Yemeni people.
The members also condemned the military escalation in Marib and Shabwa, which led to a number of deaths, destruction of property and displacement of families. They encouraged the parties to engage constructively in efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means and to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law.
In their press statement, the members of the UN Security Council expressed support for the United Nations' efforts to prevent a catastrophic spill from the dilapidated giant Safer oil tanker. They called on donors, including the private sector and the international community, to contribute the remaining thirty-four million dollars for an emergency operation to prevent the disaster.
Members reaffirmed the importance of timely implementation of the project to prevent an economic, environmental and humanitarian catastrophe in the Red Sea and beyond.