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

“With the security situation remaining relatively stable but no agreement on the way forward, Yemen may seem to be in a precarious political holding pattern. Nonetheless, intense diplomatic efforts are ongoing at different levels to bring the conflict in Yemen to an end. We are currently witnessing a renewed regional diplomatic momentum, as well as a step change in the scope and depth of the discussions. I welcome the continued efforts of Member States of the region, in particular the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, and I ask the parties to seize the opportunities created by the regional momentum. I also call on all sides to maintain an environment conducive to discussions and to allow the time and space needed for the discussions to bear fruit.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Fuel ships, along with other commodities, continue to enter the ports of Al-Hudaydah. Yet those gains are also fragile. Daily life remains a struggle for most Yemenis. The economic situation continues to be dire, with the sadly familiar pattern of tit-for-tat economic retaliations rather than cooperation. New restrictions hinder the freedom of movement of civilians, particularly women, and impede commercial traffic between different parts of the country. Yemenis’ access to basic services remains limited. That underscores what I stated almost one year ago (see S/PV.9017) — that the truce can only be a stepping stone. We urgently need to build on what was achieved by the truce and work towards a nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement to end the conflict in Yemen.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“The overall military situation in Yemen continues to be relatively stable. Since the truce came into effect on 2 April last year, Yemeni men and women have experienced almost one year of lower levels of violence. But that is fragile. I am concerned about the uptick in the number and intensity of clashes in several front- line areas, in particularly along the fronts in Marib and Taiz. I call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint during this critical time, including by refraining from escalatory public rhetoric, in order to avoid destabilizing the situation. In addition to the relative calm, elements of the truce continue to be implemented. Thanks to the valuable support of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, commercial flights continue to operate three times a week between Sana’a and Amman.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: I brief the Council as Yemenis and Muslims around the world look forward to the holy month of Ramadan. Having lived in this region for many years, I have come to really appreciate the holy month of Ramadan as a time of reflection and hope. Almost a year ago, as Ramadan was just beginning, the United Nations-mediated truce ushered in a new phase of relative calm on the front lines and gave us the opportunity to make progress on efforts to relieve the suffering of the Yemeni people. As the holy month approaches again and despite the dire economic and humanitarian situation, Yemen is still benefiting from the achievements of the truce. But of course, all the Yemenis I have talked to hope for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict. That remains my priority.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Ultimately, any set of steps should be geared towards facilitating an inclusive Yemeni-led process, under United Nations auspices, for sustainably resolving the conflict. Let me conclude by reiterating that I am encouraged by the intensified discussions that are taking place. Yemen needs an agreement that includes a shared vision for the way forward in order to avoid a return to full- blown conflict. I therefore urge the parties to make the most of the space for dialogue provided by the absence of large-scale fighting. I would also like to reiterate my sincere appreciation for the steadfast support of the Council. Its united position sends a clear signal to the Yemeni parties that the international community expects, and is committed to helping them make progress towards, a comprehensive settlement and a more peaceful future.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“The various dialogue efforts of the past months have allowed for a clearer definition of the parties’ positions and the development of options for mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues. Nevertheless, it is important that discussions on the short-term way forward be framed in the context of a more comprehensive approach that delineates a clear pathway towards a sustainable political settlement. Some of the issues on the negotiations table cannot be viewed in isolation. There are sequencing challenges as well as concerns for guarantees for all sides. They need to be addressed. In addition to working towards a shared vision for an end to the conflict, it is also essential to break that vision down into concrete, actionable steps; otherwise, challenges will arise and cause delays in the implementation phase.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“I would also like to stress the importance of Yemeni ownership of the process. Many of the issues on the table, especially those related to sovereignty issues, can be sustainably resolved only through an inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue. My Office continues to hold consultations with a variety of Yemeni stakeholders, including political parties, women’s groups and civil society. That helps to ensure that the negotiation agenda is not solely determined by the warring sides and that the substance developed and discussed with the parties is informed by the perspectives and interests of a diverse range of Yemenis. The situation remains complex and fluid. Based on my recent discussions with the parties, I note the following.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“That is why I have also been engaging the parties on embedding those immediate-term measures in a more holistic vision and ensuring movement towards a more comprehensive settlement. That includes the resumption of the political process and a nationwide ceasefire. We are currently seeing an intensification of regional and international diplomatic activity to resolve the conflict in Yemen. I would like to reiterate my appreciation for the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman in that regard. We are witnessing a potential step change in the trajectory of this eight-year conflict. The ongoing dialogues are a possibility that should not be wasted and that demand responsible actions. While regional and international support is crucial in both the negotiation and implementation phases of any agreement.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“Similarly, 81 fuel ships entered the port of Al-Hudaydah, of which 29 entered since the expiration of the truce. I welcome the continuation of those measures, which allow Yemenis to continue to experience the benefits of the truce beyond its formal expiration last October. Allow me now to turn to the current state of mediation efforts. I have been in continued contact with the parties as well as with countries of the region. Discussions have focused on options to secure agreement on military de-escalation and measures to prevent further economic deterioration and mitigate the impact of the conflict on civilians. We know from experience, however, that short-term measures and a piecemeal approach that focuses on individual issues can provide only temporary and partial relief.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“Military activity combined with negative rhetoric and escalatory political and economic measures create a situation where simple miscalculation could reignite a cycle of violence that would be difficult to reverse. I therefore urge the parties to actively work to extend the longest period of relative quiet we have seen in the past eight years, which offers a much-needed reprieve for the Yemeni population. The absence of large-scale fighting is also positive for the continuation of the elements operated under the truce. Since the truce first came into force, on 2 April 2022, 97 round-trip flights have transported almost 50,000 passengers between Sana’a and Amman, with 46 flights operating since the expiration of the truce, on 2 October 2022.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“Before discussing the current state of play and the way forward, let me turn to the situation on the ground. The overall military situation in Yemen has remained stable. There has been no major escalation or changes to the disposition of front lines. I would like to acknowledge that the parties are continuing their military restraint. However, we continue to see some limited military activity along front lines, in particular in Ma’rib, Taiz, Dhale, Al-Hudaydah and Lahij governorates, as well as along the Saudi-Yemeni border area. Regrettably, those military activities have also resulted in civilian casualties. I call on the parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: Allow me to start by welcoming the newly elected members to the Security Council. I look forward to working closely with them towards a peaceful, durable and inclusive settlement of the conflict in Yemen. I am pleased to deliver the first briefing of the year from Yemen. Today I held positive and constructive discussions with the leadership here in Sana’a, as represented by Mahdi Al-Mashat. I look forward to continuing those conversations. In recent weeks, I also had fruitful discussions with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, as well as with regional stakeholders in Riyadh and Muscat. I am hopeful that we can build on those discussions to ensure that 2023 delivers a more peaceful and prosperous future for Yemeni men and women.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“That is now affecting all Yemeni women in the north, including our United Nations staff, and we need to be clear that there are no excuses for such actions. I would like to conclude by reiterating my sincere appreciation for the sustained support of the Security Council. Its support will continue to be vital in order to convince the parties to abandon short-term calculations in favour of political, economic and security cooperation towards a sustainable settlement of the conflict in Yemen.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“In that context, I would like to reiterate my conviction that, for any settlement to be sustainable, it needs to be broad-based and include all segments of Yemeni society, including young people, civil society and women. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November serves as a stark reminder — not just on that day, but on every day of the year — of the disproportionate effects that Yemeni women continue to suffer as a result of the conflict and the integral role that women should play in all aspects of an inclusive political settlement. Time is not on the side of Yemeni women as their basic rights, including the freedom of movement, are further violated.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“Many of the economic issues being discussed, such as that of revenue management for the payment of salaries, require cooperation between the parties in order to be sustainable. That is why I want the parties to the conflict to not only renew the truce but — crucially — to commit to taking steps towards a comprehensive resolution of the conflict. A political process under United Nations auspices will be needed to reach such a resolution, and the sooner we can start that work in earnest, the greater our chances of reversing the devastating trends of this war. I outlined options to the parties in that regard, and I will keep advocating for an approach that looks beyond the immediate interests of the warring sides.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“In addition to the efforts related to a renewal of the truce, I am engaging the parties on not only expanding the truce, but initiating discussions on a path towards a more comprehensive settlement of the conflict. I have outlined ideas and options to them on steps to be taken, and I repeat my message that the international community and, more important, the Yemeni people expect them to demonstrate actionable commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The recent developments reaffirm my conviction that addressing urgent humanitarian and economic issues is needed in the immediate term if we are to avoid the situation for civilians deteriorating further. But more durable solutions can be reached only in the context of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“It has also allowed for the elements operated under the truce, such as regular flights between Amman and Sana’a International Airport and fuel deliveries to the Al-Hudaydah port, to continue for the benefit of the Yemeni people. The Organization’s efforts to convince the parties to renew and expand the truce continue. In that context, I would like to express my appreciation for the coordinated efforts of countries of the region, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, in support of the efforts of my Office. In the light of the military and economic developments I just outlined, it is vital that the ongoing discussions yield positive results as soon as possible.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“Even though overall levels of violence have increased only slightly, as compared to the six-month truce period, in recent weeks we have seen a concerning uptick in incidents in Ma’rib and Taiz, including incidents involving civilian casualties. Such incidents demonstrate how fragile the situation remains and serve to underscore, once more, the need for the parties to urgently reach an agreement to renew the truce. I reiterate my call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint during this critical time. The absence of a major military escalation thus far has facilitated my continued discussions with the parties, as well as with countries of the region.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“Those attacks, the last of which occurred yesterday in the Al-Dabba port in Hadramaut, have significant economic repercussions. Attacks on oil infrastructure and threats to oil companies undermine the welfare of the entirety of the Yemeni people. They risk setting off a spiral of military and economic escalation, a pattern we have seen play out before over the course of Yemen’s war. Beyond the risk of escalating violence and undermining current mediation efforts, attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited by international humanitarian law. As we will hear from Ms. Reena Ghelani, Director for Operations and Advocacy, those attacks could also lead to further deterioration of the economic and, consequently, humanitarian situations.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: In this briefing, I intend to provide an overview of the situation in Yemen following the formal expiration of the truce on 2 October and to brief the Security Council on current mediation efforts and the way forward. Seven weeks have passed since the United Nations- mediated nationwide truce in Yemen expired. In that period, despite incidents of concern and the expiration of the truce, fortunately, we did not see a return to full- fledged war. In that connection, I note the courageous and difficult decisions taken in order to avoid that path. In recent weeks, however, Ansar Allah carried out attacks against oil terminals and ports in Hadramaut and Shabwah governorates, with the aim of depriving the Government of Yemen of its main source of revenue — exporting oil.”
2022-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9199 (2022) · source
“The parties need to demonstrate the leadership, compromise and flexibility required to urgently reach an agreement on the renewal and expansion of the truce. The members of the Council and the international community are following the situation in Yemen with concern. Yet, ultimately, the parties’ duty is to the men and women of Yemen — to find solutions that are in the best interest of the Yemeni population and to pursue every avenue for peace. In that context, I would also like to reiterate my appreciation for the continued steadfast support of the Council, as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. The Council’s united position on the renewal and expansion of the truce has made it clear that the international community expects the parties to reach an agreement with a sense of urgency.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“The choice to go back to war would also have destabilizing effects for the whole region. And should the cycles of violence and escalation start, it could be long before a window for peace will open again. Yemen urgently needs to avoid that scenario. Allow me now to turn to the way forward. In the 11 days since the expiration of the truce, I have continued my relentless efforts to engage the parties, as well as regional and international partners, on options for the renewal of the truce. I have just returned from visits to Abu Dhabi and Muscat, where I held important discussions to explore ways forward, in close coordination with Yemen’s neighbours. I personally believe that there is still a possibility for the parties to come to an agreement. With the stakes this high, it is critical that we do not lose this opportunity.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“It is important to remember that the truce was never intended as an end in itself, but as a building block to enhance trust between the parties and establish a conducive environment to work towards a political solution to the conflict. The parties now have a choice before them. They can choose to preserve and build on the truce and take the path towards peace, as the Yemeni people expect them to do. Otherwise, a return to war would mean renewed and increased suffering for the civilian population, as my colleague from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya, will explain. Women, who represent over half of the Yemeni population, would — as always — be disproportionately affected and bear the brunt of the conflict.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“The achievement and benefits of the truce should not be underestimated. The truce came into effect after almost eight years of conflict and brought about the longest period of calm yet. In six months, its benefits for the people of Yemen included: no major military operations and a 60 per cent decrease in casualties; the reopening of the Sana’a airport, with 56 commercial roundtrip flights to date, transporting almost 27,000 passengers who sought medical attention or educational or business opportunities abroad; over 1.4 million metric tons of fuel product delivered to Al-Hudaydah ports, more than three times the amount of fuel products entering in 2021; and face-to-face meetings of the parties under United Nations auspices on military de-escalation and road openings in Taiz and other governorates.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“I welcome that the parties have shown restraint since the expiration of the truce on 2 October, as we have fortunately not witnessed any major military escalation, only sporadic exchanges of artillery and small arms fire in front-line areas in Taiz, Ma’rib, Al-Hudaydah and Dhale. I urge the parties to continue to exercise maximum restraint. Since 2 October, flights between Sana’a International Airport and Amman have continued to operate, and I want to once more express my deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Jordan for its unwavering support and facilitation. Similarly, fuel ships have continued to regularly enter the ports of Al-Hudaydah. I therefore I call on the parties to uphold and safeguard the arrangements that operated under the truce, which have brought vital benefits to the Yemeni people.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“In addition, for long-term progress towards a settlement of the conflict, the proposal also includes the establishment of structures for the initiation of negotiations over economic issues, a durable ceasefire and, most important, the resumption of a Yemeni- led, inclusive political process to work towards a comprehensive resolution of the conflict. In the light of that, it is deeply regrettable that, on 2 October, an agreement was not reached on the extension and expansion of the truce. I appreciate the position of the Government of Yemen on engaging positively with my proposal, and I regret that Ansar Allah came up with additional demands that could not be met. As I continue to work with both sides to find solutions, I urge them to demonstrate the leadership and flexibility required to reach an extended and expanded agreement.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“Allow me to outline the elements of the proposal and what the Yemeni people — men, women and children — stand to lose: first, the continued halt of all offensive operations and an enhanced Military Coordination Committee as a robust de-escalation communication and coordination channel; secondly, a transparent and effective disbursement mechanism for the regular payment of civil servant salaries and pensions; thirdly, the phased opening of roads in Taiz and other governorates; fourthly, an increase in the number of flights and destinations to and from Sana’a International Airport; fifthly, the regular and unhindered flow of fuel to the ports of Al-Hudaydah; and sixthly, a commitment to urgently release detainees.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“On 18 September, I shared a proposal for a six-month extension and the expansion of the truce elements with the parties. And in the weeks leading up to 2 October, I intensified my discussions with them, conducting several rounds of negotiations in Aden, Sana’a, Riyadh and Muscat. I subsequently shared a revised proposal with them on 1 October. My proposal addressed the key competing demands of both sides in a balanced manner.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: Six and a half months ago, on 2 April, the nationwide truce in Yemen came into effect. Over the course of the past six and a half months, the truce has started to alleviate the suffering of Yemeni men and women and, after almost eight years of conflict, offered a truly historic opportunity to build trust and to work towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict. On 2 October, the day the second extension of the truce ended, the parties regrettably did not reach an agreement on the extension and expansion of the truce. That has caused new uncertainty for the country and a heightened risk of war. In this briefing I will provide an overview of what was put before the parties and outline the way forward. Efforts to not only extend but also to expand and build on the elements of the truce have been ongoing since early July.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“Given the complexities of the issues being addressed and the time constraints we face, I urge the parties to demonstrate flexibility and respond positively if I ask them to convene to reach an agreement. During the next few weeks I will continue to count on the support of the international community for the implementation, extension and expansion of the truce. I am particularly thankful for the concerted support of the Council, as well as that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. We have a joint responsibility in helping Yemen and its population to take the necessary and decisive steps towards peace. We need to end the conflict, not merely manage it.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“An expanded agreement would provide for movement along a multitrack process to address additional humanitarian and economic issues and create an environment more conducive to starting discussions on a durable ceasefire and preparing for a resumption of a Yemeni-led political process under United Nations auspices. Both parties have provided substantive feedback on my proposal. While a zone of potential agreement was discernible, more time was needed for them to discuss the details of an expanded truce agreement. The latest truce extension therefore allows us to continue to work expeditiously towards an expanded truce agreement, and I am intensifying my efforts to support the parties in resolving the outstanding issues.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“In my discussions with the parties, they continue to emphasize the need to build on the existing truce to achieve a wide array of economic and security priorities and move towards more durable solutions for issues with political implications. For that reason, I have been seeking to mediate an expanded truce agreement in the past few weeks. My proposal for it includes, first, an agreement on a transparent and effective disbursement mechanism for the regular payment of civil servants’ salaries and civilian pensions; secondly, the opening of additional roads in Taiz and other governorates; thirdly, additional destinations to and from Sana’a airport; and fourthly, a regular flow of fuel into Al-Hudaydah port.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“Since my last briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.9088), and as a result of the extraordinary support provided by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, there has been an increase in the frequency of commercial flights to three flights a week operating between Sana’a and Amman. I hope to see the number and frequency of flights increase even further to enable Yemeni men and women to reunite with their families and seek medical treatment and educational opportunities abroad. From the beginning, I have made it clear that the truce is an interim measure that aims to halt the hostilities and address urgent humanitarian and economic needs. Ms. Ghada Mudawi, Acting Director of Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, will speak in more detail about these humanitarian and economic needs in her briefing.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“A total of 33 ships have been cleared to enter Al-Hudaydah port since the start of the truce, bringing in almost 1 million metric tons of various fuel products. I would once again like to register my appreciation for the pivotal role played by the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism in facilitating those imports of fuel products, and I reiterate my concern that funding shortages could result in its closure. Another key element of the current truce agreement serving to improve the lives of Yemeni men and women is the opening of Sana’a’s international airport to commercial flights. To date, 31 round-trip flights have operated to and from Sana’a, transporting more than 15,000 passengers, and my Office continues to work with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate regular flights to and from Cairo.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“It is regrettable that, despite those efforts, there has not been more progress achieved on road openings to date. For the sake of the people of Taiz, the wider population and the economy, the parties need to agree on opening roads as soon as possible. Road openings are mainly a humanitarian issue, and the truce provides a conducive environment for the parties to swiftly deliver on this issue, as they have done with other elements of the truce that are improving the humanitarian situation. The people of Taiz and across Yemen deserve to see the truce deliver for them in all its aspects. One of those elements is the flow of fuel imports to the port of Al-Hudaydah, which is continuing with the extension of the truce.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“The parties have also agreed to meet as part of a technical working group to establish a joint coordination room, which would support the MCC by managing incidents through de-escalation at the operational level. The Chair of the MCC, my principal military adviser, just concluded a two-week visit to Aden, Sana’a and Taiz, where he held constructive discussions with MCC representatives as well as other security, political and civil society representatives. Road openings in Taiz and other governorates continue to be at the forefront of my efforts. Members of my Office recently spent time on both sides of the front line in Taiz, where they engaged with local authorities as well as with local mediators and civil society organizations. Several proposals, with different sets of roads and sequencing options, have been presented to the parties.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“I condemn all such acts of violence. Civilians must be protected at all costs. My Office continues to receive reports from both sides regarding the same types of alleged incidents as reported in the last months. As the truce does not include an independent monitoring mechanism, I encourage the parties to make use of the channels established under the truce, such as the Military Coordination Committee (MCC), to manage those alleged incidents. The Military Coordination Committee is an important outcome of the truce. Maintaining that channel is of the utmost importance. The fourth meeting of the MCC is expected to take place during the last week of August in Amman.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“No major military operations or changes to front lines have occurred, and there have been neither confirmed airstrikes inside Yemen nor cross-border attacks emanating from Yemen. We continue to see a significant decline in civilian casualties, with the first week of August seeing the lowest civilian casualty count since the start of the truce and since the beginning of the war. Most civilian casualties continue to be a result of explosive remnants of warfare, including landmines and unexploded ordnance. A worrisome development is the increase in child casualties, which now constitute about 40 per cent of reported civilian casualties. One particularly horrific incident occurred in Taiz on 23 July, when a mortar was fired into the residential Zaid Al-Mushki district, killing one child and injuring 10 others.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“As I work with the parties to achieve that goal, we all need to remind ourselves that a failure to reach an agreement to extend the truce would lead to renewed cycles of escalation and violence, with predictable and devastating consequences for Yemen’s population. Yemen urgently needs avoid that scenario. I call on the parties to make the choice to build the necessary confidence to avoid a return to war and to begin to build lasting peace. Before I delve into the elements of the expanded truce proposal and explain the tangible impact it would have for Yemeni men and women, allow me to first recapitulate where we stand to date in terms of the implementation of the current truce. Four and a half months in, the truce continues to broadly hold in military terms.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“Mr. Grundberg: Two weeks ago, the parties agreed to extend the truce in Yemen under the same terms for another two months, until 2 October. I commend the parties for taking that step, which allows for the longest pause in fighting since the war began to continue. It also allows for the benefits of the humanitarian and economic measures in the truce agreement to unfold. Along with the truce extension, the parties committed themselves to using the next two months to continue negotiations to reach an expanded truce agreement by 2 October. An expanded agreement would include additional elements that have the potential of further improving the daily lives of Yemeni men and women. It would also allow for further steps towards ending the conflict.”
2022-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9110 (2022) · source
“I would like to reiterate my gratitude for the continued support of the Council, as well as the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader international community. The concern and support of Council members for the full implementation and extension of the truce, as well as for the way forward, will be vital in the weeks to come. The truce represents the best opportunity for peace in Yemen that we have had in years, and we should encourage and support the parties to make the most of that opportunity for the benefit of Yemen as a whole.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“In the coming weeks, I will continue to explore with the parties the possibility of a longer extension and an expanded truce agreement. That would provide time and the opportunity to start serious discussions on the economy and security tracks in order to start addressing priority issues, such as revenues and the payment of salaries, and begin the process of moving towards a ceasefire. I asked the parties to engage with me on those issues with a sense of urgency and flexibility. The participation of a broad array of Yemeni stakeholders, including women, young people and civil society, remains a priority of mine to ensure that the political settlement is sustainable and meets the legitimate aspirations and demands of Yemeni men and women.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“That brings me to the way forward. Three and a half months into the truce, we still find ourselves immersed in the details of the truce’s implementation. That is important, but it has meant that we have not been able to invest as much in the task of consolidating and expanding the truce in order to deliver more benefits to the population and set Yemen on the path towards a durable political settlement. In my discussions with the parties, it has been made clear that the aim is to achieve a wider array of economic and security priorities and not lose the opportunity for peace that the truce provides. Many of those priorities that the parties raised have also been highlighted by the diverse groups of Yemeni men and women that my Office has been consulting since March to inform a multi-track process.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“Let us be clear: the alternative to the truce is a return to hostilities and likely an intensified phase of conflict, with all of its predictable consequences for Yemeni civilians and regional security. I have already outlined the many tangible benefits of the truce for Yemeni men and women. The relative calm that it has afforded has also allowed for the resumption of some public works and encouraged international investment. In the light of the increasing fuel prices and the global economic situation, even more needs to be done to ensure that electricity and consumer goods are available and affordable for civilians across the country. The Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Joyce Msuya, will speak in more detail about the humanitarian situation in Yemen.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“The United Nations-facilitated process provides a platform to come to a sustainable negotiated agreement on road openings. I therefore encourage the parties to engage constructively with United Nations efforts to reach an agreement on road openings so that all Yemenis can begin to feel the tangible benefits of the truce in their everyday lives. An agreement on road openings in Taiz and other governorates would be momentous, and its benefits would reverberate across Yemen. In recent weeks, we have seen worrisome escalatory rhetoric by the parties questioning the benefits of the truce — a dangerous move from which I have asked both sides to refrain.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“I also continue to draw on the expertise of local mediators and civil society representatives. Following discussions with the parties, my Office shared an updated proposal on the phased opening of roads. Ansar Allah has since communicated that it does not accept the latest proposal. Still, my efforts to reach a negotiated solution will continue. I would like to take this opportunity to revisit the terms of the truce in which the parties committed to meet in order to agree on road openings. In the days preceding Eid Al-Adha, we saw different sides announce unilateral actions to open roads. While unilateral action could be a step in the right direction, agreement from both sides is important because road openings require coordination and ongoing communication to ensure that roads are opened safely and sustainably for civilian passage.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“It was my sincere belief that, by this time in the truce, the parties would have reached an agreement to open roads in Taiz and other governorates. It is regrettable for all of us, but mostly for the men and women of Taiz, that many of the roads there remain closed for the seventh year in a row. Opening roads is not only about easing humanitarian suffering and removing restrictions, but it is also about beginning to normalize the conditions of everyday life for Yemenis, including education, work, health services and the overall economy. Since my previous briefing (see S/PV.9063), I have continued to engage the parties, including in Amman and during my recent visits to Riyadh and Muscat, on viable proposals to immediately open roads in Taiz and other governorates.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“I am deeply concerned that a shortage of funds could result in the closure of UNVIM in September. Efforts to enhance the freedom of movement for men and women inside Yemen, as well as into and outside of Yemen, must continue. Since the start of the truce, 15 commercial round-trip flights have transported almost 7,000 passengers between Sana’a and Amman. We continue to work closely with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate regular flights to and from Cairo. I greatly appreciate the continued engagement of both countries. While much has been accomplished in facilitating flights to and from Sana’a airport, we are working to ensure that a regular schedule of flights can fully meet the promise of the truce and the expectations on the Yemeni people. Let me now turn to Taiz and the issue of the freedom of movement inside the country.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“Since the truce renewal, seven fuel ships, carrying nearly 200,000 metric tons of various fuel products, have been cleared to enter Al-Hudaydah port. High fuel prices have chipped away at the benefit for Yemeni citizens. But there is no doubt that, without the imports facilitated by the truce, the situation would be far worse. The flow of fuel imports has helped avoid disruptions to essential public services that depend partly on fuel — such as clean water, health care, electricity and transportation — and has made a valuable difference to the daily lives and well-being of Yemenis. The United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) has played a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth import of fuel ships into Al-Hudaydah, as mandated by the Council.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source
“As the Council is aware, my Office is supporting the parties in establishing channels of communication in order to help them manage such incidents in a peaceful manner. I am pleased to report that last week my Office convened the third meeting of the Military Coordination Committee, comprised of representatives of the parties, in addition to the coalition’s joint forces command. During the meeting, the sides discussed the formation of the joint coordination room that will be tasked with the escalating incidents at the operational level and appointed a working group that commenced detailed, technical discussions to consolidate proposals in that regard. The renewal of the truce on 2 June has allowed the continued flow of fuel into Al-Hudaydah port.”
2022-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9088 (2022) · source