The Security Council has welcomed the initiative announced by Saudi Arabia in March to end the conflict in Yemen and reach a comprehensive political solution.
In a statement, the Council said it “welcomed the announcement of Saudi Arabia on 22 March, supported by the Government of Yemen, to end the conflict in Yemen and reach a comprehensive political solution, which was in line with the UN Special Envoy’s proposal for a nationwide ceasefire, re-opening Sanaa International airport, and allowing free movement of ships for fuel and other commodities into Hodeidah port in accordance with the Stockholm Agreement.”
They also welcomed Oman’s mediation efforts between the key stakeholders and encouraged continued engagement in the region.
Their statement came after a briefing by UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths.
Council members called on all parties “to engage constructively” with Griffiths and "negotiate, without preconditions, an immediate nationwide ceasefire.”
They condemned the ongoing military escalation by Houthi militias in Marib, “which exacerbates Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, places over one million internally displaced persons at grave risk, and threatens efforts to secure a political settlement when the international community is increasingly united to end the conflict.”
The Security Council also expressed concern that the escalation in Marib could be exploited by terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda to expand their presence in Yemen.
Council members “called on the Houthis to end their escalation in Marib and condemned the cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia,” said the press statement.
They also “expressed grave concern about the dire economic and humanitarian situation, including prolonged starvation and the growing risk of large-scale famine, and emphasized the importance of facilitating critical commercial imports and humanitarian assistance.”
They emphasized the grave threat posed by the Safer oil tanker, saying its dilapidated condition risks a catastrophe to Yemen and the region.
“They stressed Houthi responsibility for the situation and called for their urgent facilitation of unconditional and safe access for UN experts to conduct an essential assessment and repair mission, ensuring close cooperation with the UN and stressed the need to finalize outstanding issues and noted recent constructive discussions in this regard,” the statement added.
