UNITED NATIONS, Mar 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The Security Council, yesterday, condemned the escalation in Yemen’s Marib governorate and called for a nationwide cease-fire.
In a press statement, members of the Security Council condemned the escalation in Marib, which places 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.
They also condemned the cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, and expressed concern about military developments in Yemen.
The council members stressed the need for de-escalation by all, including an immediate end to the Houthi escalation in Marib. They condemned the use of child soldiers in Marib.
They called on all parties to come together and work with UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, to negotiate, without preconditions, a nationwide cease-fire and a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned, inclusive, political settlement.
The council members expressed concern over the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Yemen, and emphasised the importance of facilitating humanitarian assistance, as well as, the movement of fuel ships into Hodeidah port.
They expressed concern that a lack of progress in the peace process could be exploited by terrorists in Yemen. They called for accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law. They reiterated their support for Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.