YouSaid · the spoken record

Grundberg

lines on the record: 195
first: 2021-09-10
most recent: 2023-08-16
sittings or episodes: 18
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I also want to commend the role of the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah in facilitating the operation. Looking ahead, the Council’s support will continue to be vital to encouraging the parties to maintain an environment conducive to discussions on the way forward and to move towards a just and sustainable peace that meets the aspirations of Yemeni women, men and young people.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“My Office will continue its efforts to create space for the perspectives and voices of young people, along with other segments of Yemeni society. The continued unity and steadfast support of the Council and the international community more broadly have been a pivotal asset in my mediation efforts. Similarly, the recent progress on the FSO SAFER has shown how concerted international support and multilateral cooperation can bring tangible results. The removal of the oil from the FSO SAFER to a new vessel has prevented an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. I would like to congratulate the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. David Gressly, and the United Nations Development Programme and its partners on reaching that great milestone.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“On the occasion of International Youth Day, which is observed on 12 August, I would like to celebrate Yemeni youth for their critical contributions to peace. Young people make up a majority of Yemen’s population. After years of war, many Yemeni women and men have lost their entire adolescence to the conflict. In consultations organized by my Office, Yemeni youth often highlight challenges related to their limited access to employment and education, as well as political inclusion and particular restrictions on young women’s participation in public life. Yet despite the challenges, young Yemeni women and men continue to lay the foundations for peace with their determination, resourcefulness and strong belief in a better tomorrow for their country.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“I commend all sides for continuing internal preparations for a ceasefire, and I encourage them to make progress towards a more formalized arrangement. A resumption of an inclusive, Yemeni-owned political process under the auspices of the United Nations remains at the heart of my mediation efforts. The political process should provide a platform for a plurality of Yemenis from across the country to collectively discuss and determine their own future. It should also pave the way for reconciliation and efforts to address grievances. The recent intensification of the voices of civil society, women and young people on the challenging issues of reconciliation, grievances and injustices once again underlines the importance of the inclusion of a range of Yemenis in the political process.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“The issue of salary payments, including the question of revenue sources, remains a central concern for which the parties need to find a mutually agreeable solution. Economic resources must not be perceived as a zero-sum game. Rather than competing, the parties should cooperate to broaden and expand economic opportunities for the welfare of all Yemenis. In addition, building on the achievements of the truce, my Office continues to engage all sides on the technical elements required for a sustainable nationwide ceasefire. Over the past few weeks, we have held meetings in Sana’a and Aden with military officials and local security actors. They included meetings with Ansar Allah’s representatives to the Military Coordination Committee, following earlier work with the Government representatives.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“My Office is working to convene the parties to address some of their immediate priorities in order to build confidence and move towards an inclusive and sustainable political settlement. The levels of trust are low and partial solutions risk being perceived as reversible and providing only temporary relief. For that reason, I continue to pursue a more comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate and longer-term political, economic, military and security issues. On the economic front, my Office continues to explore options with the parties on how best to respond to the needs of all Yemenis, including with regard to regular public-sector salary payments nationwide, the improved provision of services, affordable basic commodities, a functional banking system and the facilitation of commercial activity.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“That grim milestone is another reminder of the dire need for opening roads in Taiz and other governorates in order to facilitate the freedom of movement of Yemenis who have been facing restrictions on their access to basic needs and engagement in economic opportunities. Political and economic instability are fertile grounds for violent extremist groups. I am concerned about the reports that the activities of violent extremists have recently increased in Abyan and Shabwah governorates, in yet another reminder of the consequences of the long-term absence of a political settlement of the conflict. The fragility of the situation and its impact on Yemeni women and men highlight the urgent need to reach a consensus on the way forward.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“Amid those terrible conditions, the support of $1.2 billion pledged earlier this month by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a welcome step. But there will be no lasting improvement in the situation until the parties come together to discuss and agree on sustainable solutions to Yemen’s economic and fiscal challenges. The expansion of flights to and from Sana’a airport also remains a pressing concern in view of the need to relieve some of the pressure on Yemeni civilians seeking to travel for medical care, educational and business opportunities or to reunite with loved ones. That also means protecting the operational continuity of Yemenia Airways. Moreover, last month Yemenis in Taiz marked eight years of conflict-related road closures in and around their governorate.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“The parties continue to resort to antagonistic economic measures to weaken the other side, but those tactics primarily hurt civilians while intensifying the atmosphere of mistrust. The Government is still being prevented from exporting petroleum products — its major source of revenue — and intra-Yemeni trade in goods and services remains curtailed due to restrictions and the imposition of exorbitant fees and taxes. The provision of basic services is deteriorating further, power stations are shutting down due to a lack of fuel and electricity cuts in Aden are reaching 18 hours per day amid the stifling summer weather. As always, Yemeni citizens, including women and girls, continue to bear the brunt of those measures and their consequences.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“Despite the expiration of the truce last October, the hostilities on the front lines have not returned to pre-truce levels and the civilian casualty numbers have significantly declined. However, intermittent fighting and exchanges of fire have continued in some areas, particularly Taiz, Marib, Al-Dhale’e, Al-Hudaydah, Shabwah and Saada. Against that backdrop, there have been public threats to return to war. That rhetoric is not conducive to maintaining a fruitful mediation environment. I call on the parties to refrain from escalatory rhetoric and to continue to use and build on the dialogue channels established under the truce through the Military Coordination Committee to de-escalate incidents. Allow me to now turn to the increasingly dire economic situation.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“Turning to my mediation efforts, I have continued my engagement with the Yemeni parties and the Member States in the region. Last week I visited Riyadh, where I held meetings with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, and other senior Yemeni officials, as well as senior Saudi officials. This week I travelled to Muscat, where I held meetings with Ansar Allah representatives and senior Omani officials. Additionally, my Office has held meetings over the past two weeks with Government officials in Aden and Ansar Allah representatives in Sana’a. The sides continue to express a general willingness to seek solutions, but that still needs to be translated into concrete steps, specifically a clear agreement on the way forward that includes restarting an inclusive Yemeni political process.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“While the United Nations family mourns the loss of Moayad, I am greatly relieved about the recent release of our five United Nations colleagues who were kidnapped in Abyan governorate in February 2022. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to securing their release, as well as my solidarity with the other United Nations staff members who are still being held without due process in Yemen. In that regard, let us not forget the plight of conflict- related detainees, who continue to face the unbearable sorrow of separation from their loved ones. I encourage both parties to continue to work closely with my Office to achieve the unconditional release of detainees on the basis of the all-for-all principle. In that regard, I look forward to today’s briefing by Ms. Amat Al-Hajj of the Abductees’ Mothers Association.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: I would like to thank you, Madam President, for the opportunity to update the Security Council on recent developments in Yemen and my efforts to mediate an agreement between the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah that will set Yemen on a path to sustainably ending the conflict. Allow me to start by reiterating my condemnation of the murder in Taiz governorate on 21 July of a World Food Programme staff member, Moayad Hameidi. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Let me make it clear that humanitarian workers should never be a target. Any loss of life in humanitarian service is an unacceptable tragedy for the United Nations and for the people who benefit from the humanitarian community’s life-saving assistance.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“We need to build on those efforts to support post-conflict governance and peacebuilding. Everyone in the Council wields influence. I ask members to use that influence to encourage the parties to stop escalatory actions and work along the path that I have outlined here today.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“The United Nations-mediated process will be led and owned by Yemenis and will involve and reflect the priorities of a plurality of Yemenis, including women and men from across Yemen’s governorates. I want to note here that Yemenis have deep capacities to draw on in any political negotiation. There is a rich history of dialogue, innovation and compromise in Yemen, including at the national level. And at the local level, Yemenis are proving their solidarity and ability to resolve problems every day. They are opening roads, releasing detainees and negotiating access amid significant barriers to movement. In some governorates the local authorities have actually stepped up service delivery, despite the challenges of the conflict. In others, private-sector actors have stepped in to provide crucial social services such as health and education.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, the parties need to make progress on agreeing on a clear path towards restarting an intra-Yemeni political process under the auspices of the United Nations. That process needs to start urgently if the gains made since the truce are to be consolidated and further fragmentation prevented. To find sustainable solutions to the near-term challenges, Yemenis need to address broader issues at the heart of the conflict. For example, we are now seeing how current discussions on salary payments are becoming linked to issues of revenue management and ultimately to longer-term questions of the shape of the State. Only Yemenis can debate and decide on such weighty and fundamental questions of sovereignty, national and local governance, revenue management and security arrangements.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“Secondly, the parties should immediately de-escalate economically and address near- and longer- term economic priorities. They should ensure regular public-sector salary payments nationwide and reverse antagonistic economic policies, which deepen the divide between them and further fragment the country. They should also enhance economic and other links among Yemenis in different parts of the country, including by opening roads and building on previous efforts to further expand the availability of flights — including domestic flights — to and from Sana’a airport. My Office is in constant communication with Yemeni political actors, businesses, civil society and others to explore sustainable solutions.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“That means ending the conflict in a way that promises accountable national and local governance, economic and environmental justice and guarantees of equal citizenship for all Yemenis, regardless of gender, faith, background or race. Even if the way forward to that future is challenging, it is well- lit. There are three key elements here. First, the parties should immediately end their military provocations and prepare for and agree to a sustainable nationwide ceasefire. My Office recently held constructive discussions with delegates of the Government of Yemen to the Military Coordination Committee on the protection of civilians, including women’s security, and plans to implement a ceasefire. That followed an earlier meeting in May with the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition about technical preparations for a ceasefire.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“For women and girls, the restrictions on the freedom of movement have become even more pronounced over the course of the conflict. The requirement that women and girls travelling have to be accompanied by a male relative has expanded significantly in the past year, especially in Ansar Allah-controlled areas, and armed groups at checkpoints in various parts of the country have also often imposed the same requirement. Such restrictions prevent women from accessing their basic needs, engaging in economic opportunities and participating in politics and peacemaking efforts. We cannot afford to seek a seasonal peace. The parties have to take further bold steps towards a sustainable and just peace.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“The value of the Yemeni riyal against the United States dollar in Aden has fallen by more than 25 per cent in the past 12 months. As always, it is Yemeni citizens who pay the highest price for the economic divisions and deterioration in the country. Freedom of movement also remains a huge challenge. Conflict-related road closures force thousands of Yemenis to take unsafe routes every day and have raised the cost of transporting goods by upwards of 100 per cent. Landmines, unexploded ordnance and climate-change-related extreme weather events compound the impact of freedom-of-movement restrictions on civilians. In addition, despite recent positive efforts, there is a pressing need to further expand the availability of flights to and from Sana’a airport.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“With regard to the military situation, although fighting has decreased markedly since the start of the truce, the front lines are not silent. Armed clashes have taken place in Al-Dhale’e, Taiz, Al-Hudaydah, Marib and Shabwah. I am also concerned by reports of troop movements, including near Marib, and a recent parade of fighters in Ibb. Those continued sparks of violence, alongside public threats to return to large-scale fighting, increase fears and tensions. I call on the parties to cease provocative military actions and rhetoric that raise the spectre of further escalation. Moreover, the parties continue to battle on a different front — the economy. The struggle to control revenue-generating ports, trade routes, the banking sector, currency and natural-resource wealth has become inseparable from the political and military conflict.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“I am grateful for the continued efforts of actors in the region, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, in support of those discussions. We have also seen the parties engage constructively in other confidence-building measures. My Office recently convened the parties in Amman to discuss further detainee releases, building on the successful large-scale release of detainees in March in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross. I am grateful to the Government of Jordan for hosting those and other meetings in Amman, and for continuing to support the work of my Office. For more than a year, therefore, we have seen some important and positive steps that have de-escalated the violence and helped to improve the lives of Yemenis. However, the situation on the ground remains fragile and challenging.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“I join the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement in condemning the incident and calling on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and prevent and end violations against children. Other benefits continue to this day. The commercial flights between Sana’a and Amman have continued, and this month I welcomed the first commercial flights in seven years between Sana’a and Saudi Arabia, carrying Yemeni Hajj pilgrims. Fuel also continues to flow steadily through Al-Hudaydah’s ports. Most importantly, this period of relative calm has opened the door for serious discussions with Yemeni actors on a way forward for ending the conflict. The discussions are ongoing, but if we are to sustainably end the war those talks have to reach a serious breakthrough.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: I thank you, Madam President, for giving me this opportunity to brief the Council on the latest developments in Yemen and on my efforts to mediate an agreement on a way forward between the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah. Despite the expiry of the truce, Yemen and its people continue to feel the benefits of the longest period of relative calm since the beginning of the conflict. According to the latest report of the Secretary- General on children and armed conflict (S/2023/363), the truce contributed to a 40 per cent drop in grave violations against children such as killing, maiming and recruitment to armed formations. While that is a meaningful achievement, more progress is needed. Just last week, a mortar attack injured five children in the district of Hays, south of Al-Hudaydah.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“Its continued support and accompaniment to any agreement reached will become even more important in the long as well as the short term, as Yemen charts a way towards a more peaceful and prosperous future that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“Equally essential is the meaningful participation and representation of women and young people, as well as civil society, in all aspects of the peace process, in line with resolution 1325 (2000). Meaningful and effective participation is not only about the number of female and civil-society participants but also about providing a space for women and civil society to address their priorities and contribute with their perspectives and expertise. Women and civil society are far too often sidelined. Allow me to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation for the Council’s steadfast support. The Council’s engagement and unity on Yemen is something I value greatly.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“Only an inclusive and comprehensive political process can sustainably forge a new political partnership and bring the promise of a secure and economically stable future in which State institutions function effectively and Yemen returns to peaceful relations with its neighbours. That process will have to address complex issues regarding Yemen’s long-term future and must start as soon as possible. The inclusivity of that process will also be key to ensuring the sustainability of any political solution. The recently held dialogue among a number of southern political groups in Aden once again underscored the urgent need for Yemenis to collectively discuss and define their own future through a Yemeni-led, United Nations-sponsored process. All Yemeni voices must be heard in that process.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“While the recent release of four journalists as part of the Prisoners and Detainees Exchange Agreement is a welcome step, media professionals across Yemen continue to face threats, harassment, imprisonment and the confiscation of their offices and assets. I call on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law to immediately release all who remain in arbitrary detention, including journalists, human rights defenders, political opponents and other arbitrarily detained civilians. To bring an end to the conflict, the cornerstone of an agreement on the way forward must be the resumption of a Yemeni-led political process under the auspices of the United Nations. The difficulties that I have described, along with Yemen’s other myriad challenges, cannot be addressed through partial or temporary solutions.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“Following last month’s release of 887 detainees, facilitated by my Office and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the generous support of the Swiss Government, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Ansar Allah unilaterally released additional detainees. I am confident that those releases will build further confidence between the parties and support an environment conducive to dialogue. But while every release is positive news for the detainees and their families, thousands more remain detained. I therefore call on the parties to continue to work with my Office to fulfil their commitments to release all conflict-related detainees, in line with the Stockholm Agreement. Exactly two weeks ago, 3 May, we marked the thirtieth anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“The inability of the Government of Yemen to export oil, which generated more than half of total Government revenues last year, is straining the Government’s capacity to meet its obligations to the Yemeni people. Inconsistent financial and economic policies in different areas of the country have hit citizens and businesses hard, with businesses facing particular uncertainty in Sana’a and the surrounding governorates. The lack of cooperation between the parties on critical monetary and financial issues means those challenges will worsen and potentially become more entrenched. Despite those profound challenges, there is room for cautious optimism. In recent weeks the parties have taken some additional positive steps.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“While sporadic military incidents continue to occur, the levels of hostilities are significantly lower than before the truce. But the fragility of the military situation, the dire state of the economy and the daily challenges facing the Yemeni people provide us with constant reminders of why a more comprehensive agreement between the parties is so vital. The continuing reports of violence across front lines, notably in Al-Jawf, Taiz, Ma’rib and Sa’ada highlight the fragility of the current situation and underscore the need for a formal ceasefire. I am equally worried about the deteriorating economic situation and restrictions on freedom of movement and its impact on economic activity and people’s livelihoods.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“With sustained determination from the Yemeni parties, supported by a coherent and coordinated regional and international community, I believe that the outstanding issues can be resolved and that the parties will be able to commit themselves to an agreement. Indeed, the parties have an obligation to build on the progress made to date and to take decisive steps towards a peaceful and comprehensive solution. As stated in my previous briefings, the truce has provided a conducive environment and starting point to build towards next steps. More than one year after its announcement and seven months since its official expiration, the truce continues to deliver. Yemenis benefit from commercial flights to and from Sana’a airport and fuel and other commercial ships entering via Al-Hudaydah port.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“All interlocutors demonstrated an understanding of the immensity of what is at stake and displayed willingness to constructively engage on the way forward. There is clear determination on all sides to make progress towards a deal on humanitarian and economic measures, a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of a Yemeni-led political process under United Nations auspices. I also welcome the ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman to support the United Nations mediation role. While progress is being made, there are still issues that require further discussion.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: I am pleased to be with you, Madam President, in person today to brief the Council on the situation in Yemen and my efforts to secure an agreement on a way forward that could sustainably end the conflict. Since my previous briefing (see S/PV.9304), I have continued my engagement with the Yemeni parties and regional interlocutors to establish a ceasefire and launch a political process. I met with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, in Aden and with the Ansar Allah leadership, represented by Mahdi Al-Mashat, in Sana’a. I also met with senior regional and Yemeni officials in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi and senior United States officials in Washington, D.C. I am encouraged by the positive and detailed discussions I have had.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“Yemenis need to come together under United Nations auspices to agree on how to end this long and terrible war. There is even more work to be done to recover, rebuild and reach a sustainable, just and equitable peace. Mediation efforts will always adapt and evolve. But the parties must not allow this moment to pass by without coming to an agreement. As always, I remain grateful for the support that I have received from the Security Council. I ask the international community to redouble its support to ensure that this delicate and rare opportunity is not lost.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“All of that needs to be rooted in the work towards an inclusive, intra-Yemeni political process, because only Yemenis can debate and ultimately decide on the future political, economic and security governance of Yemen. In addition to my engagements with the parties and regional actors, I continue to consult Yemeni women, youth and civil society. I am always struck during those engagements by the resilience of the social fabric. That is one of the country’s most important national resources, and one that we must leverage for peace. My Office recently held consultations with diverse Yemenis on advancing the participation of women and marginalized groups in the peace process. Women must have a say in the future of their country. Let us be under no illusions. There is a lot of hard work to be done to build trust and to make compromise.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We also work with Yemeni civil society, security actors and experts to prepare for an implementable and sustainable ceasefire, as well as inclusive and accountable security at the national and local levels. On the economic track, we continue to engage the parties and their technical representatives, as well as civil society organizations, experts and researchers, the private sector and international financial institutions. The aim is to provide a forum in which the parties can resolve differences and jointly identify solutions on pressing economic challenges, with the support of Yemeni technical experts and international and regional partners.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“And we need to see public-sector salaries paid nationwide. I believe that all of that is not only necessary but also attainable. Yemen has a rich history of compromise, negotiation and dialogue. My Office continues to engage along multiple tracks to build on the benefits of the truce and build towards a process for Yemenis to come together and agree on how to sustainably end the conflict. The economic, political and military tracks need to reinforce one another. And we need to address both short- and longer-term measures. As part of the military and security track, my Office continues to engage with the delegates of the parties to the military coordination committee, which was established during the truce. We stand ready to reconvene the Committee to support any new agreement on the way forward.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“The political process needs to orient towards the future that so many Yemeni women and men have told us they want, that is, one of accountable governance, equal citizenship and social and economic justice. We need to see a Yemeni-owned ceasefire that durably stops the violence, ensures the safety and security of Yemenis and builds trust for a political process. We need the parties to refrain from using economic measures as tools of hostility, and create the conditions to allow people and businesses to work unimpeded. We need to see greater freedom of movement of people and goods across all of Yemen, including renewed efforts to open roads in Taiz and other governorates. We need to see the full opening of Sana’a airport, with expanded destinations, and we need to see commercial goods continue to enter Yemen smoothly and without delays.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Saudi representatives also held productive discussions with members of the Presidential Leadership Council in Riyadh. I am working closely with regional and Yemeni stakeholders to ensure that such channels feed into United Nations efforts to mediate an end the conflict. I also welcome the statement by the Foreign Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, issued at a ministerial meeting in Beijing, committing to enhancing their cooperation on matters that would promote security and stability in the region. A supportive regional environment will reinforce peace efforts in Yemen. Any new agreement in Yemen must be a clear step towards a Yemeni-led political process. It needs to include a strong commitment from the parties to meet and negotiate in good faith with one another.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We could never rely on it to deliver a peaceful future to Yemen. As such, I have continued my engagement with the parties to identify next steps towards a permanent ceasefire and the reactivation of a political process under United Nations auspices. I have also engaged with them on measures that can alleviate the economic and humanitarian situation in the country. In recent weeks, I met with representatives of the Yemeni parties, as well as regional officials. I have visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as Brussels and Geneva. Discussions are also ongoing among regional and Yemeni stakeholders. Building on the achievements of the truce, representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman were recently in Sana’a, where they have engaged in constructive dialogue.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Fuel and other commercial goods continue to flow into Al-Hudaydah. And commercial flights continue between Sana’a International Airport and Amman. However, that is not enough. Yemenis still live with unimaginable hardship every day. And recent developments are a reminder that escalation can quickly reverse hard-won gains. I am concerned about recent military activity in Ma’rib, Shabwa, Taiz and other governorates. We have seen in the past how escalation, particularly in Ma’rib, has spilled over to front lines elsewhere. I call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and continue to engage with my Office to ensure maintained de-escalation. While an important achievement, the truce was meant to be a temporary measure to open up space for political talks to sustainably end the war.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“But I also remind them of the suffering of the many more Yemenis still waiting for their loved ones to return. I encourage them to make swift progress towards fulfilling their commitment to release all conflict- related detainees. I also commend Yemeni civil society for its crucial role in advocating for detainee releases. I thank the Swiss and Jordanian Governments for their support to my Office on this file, and the ICRC for its role in the implementation of the release operation. And I thank my Deputy, Mr. Muin Shreim, and the broader team that has been working on this file in my Office, for all their dedication and persistence. Another encouraging sign is that many aspects of the truce continue to be implemented beyond its lifespan. Yemen is experiencing the longest period of relative calm yet in this ruinous war.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“They also agreed to meet again in May to make further progress on their commitment as part of the Stockholm Agreement to release all conflict- related detainees. And they agreed to undertake joint visits to each other’s detention facilities, including in Ma’rib and Sana’a. The release operations took place between 14 and 16 April, reuniting hundreds of Yemeni families with their loved ones, just in time for them to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr together. That renewed the hope of many more Yemenis that their relatives too might soon be released. The emotional scenes of detainees being released over the past few days demonstrated the power of peaceful negotiations. I commend the parties on the cooperation they showed to achieve that result.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: One year since the parties agreed to a truce under United Nations auspices, Yemen is again at a critical juncture. The truce has continued to deliver well beyond its expiration six months ago, and the parties are engaging on next steps. I believe we have not seen such a serious opportunity for making progress towards ending the conflict in eight years. But the tide could still turn unless the parties take bolder steps towards peace. The parties recently showed that negotiations can deliver results. In March, under the auspices of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the parties agreed in Switzerland to release almost 900 conflict-related detainees from all sides.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Allow me to also take this opportunity to welcome the recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic ties, which was facilitated by the People’s Republic of China. That dialogue and good-neighbourly relations are important for the region and for Yemen. The parties must seize the opportunity presented by that regional and international momentum to take decisive steps towards a more peaceful future. That requires patience and a long-term perspective — and it requires courage and leadership. Much has been achieved over the past year, and now is the time to take the next steps.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Deliberations are still ongoing between the parties, and I ask them to continue to engage in good faith. It is my sincere hope that they will be able to implement their obligations under the Stockholm Agreement to release all conflict-related detainees. I urge the parties to finalize the details of the current phase they have agreed on, including the implementation plan, and I would like to thank the Government of Switzerland for hosting those talks. Returning to my overall efforts to achieve peace in Yemen, I reiterate my appreciation for the Council’s unity and steadfast support. That support and unity of purpose was underscored during my recent visits to Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Tehran and Riyadh.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Last week’s observance of International Women’s Day serves as an occasion to reflect on the role that women play in furthering peace, but is also a reminder of the continued risks and restrictions they face. Women are central to the social fabric of Yemen and their meaningful participation is essential for moving Yemen forward. I remain committed to promoting the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of the peace process, in line with the women and peace and security agenda, as outlined in resolution 1325 (2000) and other relevant resolutions. Allow me to also briefly update the Council about the meeting of the Supervisory Committee on the Implementation of the Detainees’ Exchange Agreement, which is co-chaired by my Office and the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“The political process must take into account the complexities of the conflict. It will be a difficult process, which requires strong planning and a vision backed by the commitment of the parties. In that regard, I welcome the recent efforts of the Government of Yemen through the ongoing work of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission. I stand ready to work with the Yemeni parties and support them, so that when the political process starts, they can engage with confidence and a clear sense of direction. A political process that addresses the concerns and aspirations of the Yemeni people must be Yemeni-owned and inclusive. It must include the voices of a wide range of Yemeni stakeholders, including young people, civil society and women.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Impatience at this juncture risks a return to a cycle of violence and unravelling what has been achieved to date. I have been clear in previous briefings to the Security Council that short-term solutions and a piecemeal approach can only bring partial relief. A ceasefire and a sustainable political settlement can be achieved only through a more comprehensive approach. I continue to actively engage with the Yemeni parties, as well as regional and international stakeholders, to achieve that objective. The parties, as well as States of the region, are clear that any understanding reached as part of the ongoing discussions must be translated into an inter-Yemeni agreement under United Nations auspices. A resumption of the political process is a central element in that regard and remains at the core of my mandate.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source