Saudi Arabia’s permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Abdullah al-Moallimi stated that the Saudi request to increase the number of UN affiliated observers to ensure the access of aid to Yemen’s Hodeidah Port is now outdated in wake of a proposal by UN Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.
Ould Cheikh Ahmed called for forming an administrative financial committee and a technical one that supervise Hodeidah Port.
Moallimi stressed his country’s support for the proposal. He told Asharq Al-Awsat that there are some signs that the Houthi insurgents might also endorse it, which is seen as a positive development after their refusal to meet the UN envoy during his last visit to Sana’a.
Saudi diplomats have been active during the past two days at the UN headquarters in New York over the latest developments in Yemen.
Riyadh informed members of the Security Council during informal meetings about the violations of Houthi militias against the aid efforts between 2015-2017.
Dr. Abdullah al-Rabiah, general supervisor of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, revealed that 65 ships, 124 aid convoys, 628 trucks, 5,500 food baskets and 6,000 wheat bags were either confiscated or stolen by the Houthi militias. He also highlighted their offensives against UN affiliated organizations and other aid groups in six Yemeni cities.
Rabiah stressed before the UN Security Council members that Saudi Arabia is committed to principles of humanitarian and international law to protect civilians and staff. He also urged holding accountable anyone who hinders access of humanitarian aid to those in need in all regions.
