[16/06/2017 08:35]

NY-SABA

The UN Security Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

In a presidential statement on 15 June 2017, the UNSC said: "The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and relevant Security Council resolutions provide the basis for inclusive negotiations for a political settlement of the crisis in Yemen and expresses concern at the continued non-implementation of these resolutions."

The statement called on all Yemeni parties "to engage constructively with the Special Envoy’s latest proposals for increasing commercial and humanitarian shipments through Red Sea ports including new arrangements for the management of Hodeida port and city.

These proposals would act as a confidence-building mechanism between the parties, with a view to a durable cessation of hostilities as a step towards the resumption of peace talks under UN leadership. The Security Council urges the parties to work with the Special Envoy to conclude an agreement for the resumption of government salary payments and the preservation of essential government services in all areas of the country."

The Security Council stressed the importance of "keeping all Yemen’s ports functioning, including Hodeida port, as a critical lifeline for humanitarian support and other essential supplies, in line with the Special Envoy’s latest proposals for Hodeida port and city."

The Council also expressed its "continuing support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen in his efforts to bring the parties to negotiations with a view to swiftly reaching a final and comprehensive agreement to end the conflict."

"The Security Council strongly condemns the attack on the UN Special Envoy’s convoy during his recent visit to Sana’a, and calls upon the Houthis and supporters of former President Saleh to undertake a full investigation to identify those responsible and hold them to account. The Security Council calls upon all parties to the conflict to engage constructively with the Special Envoy’s proposals for peace and ensure the unhindered access of the Special Envoy to all parts of Yemen.

The Security Council notes the statement by the Government of Yemen contained in document S/2017/476."

The Council called "on all Member States to fully implement the arms embargo as required by the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Security Council also calls on the Houthis and forces allied to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to cease all attacks at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

"The Security Council emphasises that the conflict in Yemen will only be resolved through the resumption of an inclusive political process, and calls upon all parties to the conflict to engage constructively and in good faith to overcome obstacles and find a peaceful solution. The Security Council calls upon the parties to ensure at least 30 percent representation of women in peace negotiations, and calls upon the UN to regularly report on consultations with women leaders and women’s organizations in line with resolution 2122 (2013)."

---