YouSaid · the spoken record

Ould Cheikh Ahmed

lines on the record: 179
first: 2015-10-23
most recent: 2018-02-27
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“There is no doubt that the developments in recent months in Yemen will reshuffle the political cards and change some internal blocs, especially considering the pressure and challenges encountered by the General People's Conference, in addition to the emergence of popular calls from the south voicing their demands. I call on the parties to cease hostilities and reactivate negotiations aimed at a peaceful settlement. I urge them to allow the culture of coexistence to prevail over the rhetoric of war, so that Yemen becomes a beacon of light in the Middle East and a model for peace and security where men and women, young men and women, from the east and the west and from the north and south participate in decision-making.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“My thanks also go out to the members of the Council and the international community for their support to the United Nations-led mediation efforts during the past three years, including the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The call goes to the Yemeni parties, who are solely responsible for everything that is happening. I call on them to turn the page on this appalling war in history of Yemen. The United Nations is facilitating the path towards peace, and the international community is creating a favourable environment for it. Only the Yemeni decision-makers can stop the war and the bloodshed. I repeat: only they can do that. The regional scenario is replete with challenges, political and sectarian disputes and economic pressures.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“I wish the new Special Envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths, every success in his efforts, which I have no doubt will benefit from his wide-ranging experience in diplomacy. I hope that the road map will constitute a cornerstone for moving forward and activating the peace process. To conclude, let me offer a promise, convey my thanks and issue an appeal. I promise the Yemeni people that I will follow up on the file with the concerned and share my experience and knowledge of the Yemeni issue in any possible way that will contribute to peace. I was in Yemen before becoming a Special Envoy and I have experienced the courage and manners of the people of Yemen. I will follow the progress of the file until Yemen returns to Yemen, even after the end of my assignment.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“We see daily reports of civilians dying of poverty, hunger or illness, but we should not forget that many politicians from all sides are profiting from this conflict, from trading in arms to exploiting public property for personal purposes. In their speeches, these politicians may stir up strife to deepen the rift in the Yemeni society; at other times, they declare pro-peace positions, while in private they are indifferent to the suffering of their people. Whoever wants peace offers solutions, not excuses. We have a peace road map for Yemen. The practical suggestions to launch it and build confidence among the parties have been agreed. The only part missing is the commitment of parties to making concessions and giving priority to the national interest. This is what makes us doubtful of their real intention to end the war.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“Those who follow the Yemen file closely will acknowledge that the United Nations has spared no effort to help the Yemeni parties reach a peaceful solution. During the course of my interactions with the parties, we have discussed all the details of a peace road map with a clear timeline, taking into account the parties" needs and challenges. Today, I would like to announce, for the first time, that we were about to reach agreement on a peace proposal, developed in consultation with the parties, but they refused to sign at the last minute. By the end of the consultations, it had become clear that the Houthis were not prepared to make concessions on the proposed security arrangements or even to go into details about a comprehensive security plan. This has been a major stumbling block towards reaching a negotiated solution.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“I would also like to express my appreciation to the group of 18 Ambassadors with accreditation to Yemen and the States that have hosted talks with the parties, including Switzerland, Kuwait and Oman. During the past few weeks, I have visited several countries of the region, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council secretariat. They are fully aware of the importance of a peaceful solution to this conflict in order to stabilize the region and fight terrorism. Over the past three years, and throughout my continuous meetings with the parties, I have come to believe that a solid foundation for an agreement has been laid through the endorsement of the general framework in Biel in 2015 and the discussions that took place in Kuwait in 2016.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“Those who speak up face the constant threat of persecution and violent attempts to silence them. However, despite these daily challenges, Yemeni women are remarkably resilient and their inclusion in the peace process is critical. The same applies to young people in Yemen. I would like to express my gratitude to the World Bank for its innovative approach in Yemen, which is unique to a country in conflict. The partnership between my Office and the World Bank, in collaboration with the United Nations country team, has contributed not only to the alleviation of the suffering of some of the most vulnerable families, but also to the long-term preservation of Yemen's institutions.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“In the context of these appalling and vast humanitarian challenges, I welcome the generous pledge of $1 billion by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to support humanitarian action and reconstruction in Yemen, as well as their commitment to raising an additional $500 million from other donors in the region. I hope that these initiatives will materialize and that the funds pledged will be disbursed as soon as possible so as to improve the current precarious situation. Yemeni women humanitarianave suffered some of the worst effects of the conflict. The space for women to exercise their rights is shrinking every day. I have heard many Yemeni women saying that they live in a big prison where their freedom of speech is restricted.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“Indeed, it has become clear that revenues that should be contributing to salary payments, maintaining basic services and stimulating the economy are instead being used to fund the war. Moreover, informal taxation and other forms of corruption are flourishing, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. These factors mean that Yemeni households are losing their purchase power and access to basic services. Some 22.2 million Yemenis are now in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, compared to 15.9 million in March 2015.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“As the conflict has deepened, the economic and humanitarian crisis has deepened with it, making Yemen the world's largest man-made humanitarian crisis. John Ging will brief the Council on that issue. Since 2015, Yemen's economy has shrunk by almost 40 per cent. In 2017, the value of the Yemeni rial dropped by more than 50 per cent. The decline of the currency and the related sharp increase in prices have had a negatively affected the economy and have thereby hampered the delivery of basic supplies. These factors have had a direct affect on the private sector and the payment of salaries of the public-sector employees. Undoubtedly, the non-payment of salaries for more than a year constitutes a massive burden on Yemeni citizens.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“I am also seriously concerned about reports from several humanitarian organizations on the recruitment of thousands of child soldiers by all parties to the conflict, which constitutes a flagrant violation of children's rights. While the reports indicate that all warring parties have engaged in such practices, the systematic recruitment of children by the Houthis may have negative implications for the future of the country. Parties must adhere to international law and international humanitarian law. Any intentional or direct attack on civilians or civilian objects is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The parties must respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, and ensure the access of affected populations to humanitarian assistance.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“The past two months have witnessed a renewed and large-scale escalation of military confrontation in Al-Hudaydah, Al-Jawf, Sana'a and Al-Bayda, as well as areas along the Yemeni-Saudi border. The Houthis continue to fire ballistic missiles into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fighting in Taiz governorate has been particularly bloody and destructive, while Aden and the neighbouring governorates have been the scenes of continuous clashes. During the latest outbreak of violence in the city on 28 January, dozens of people were killed and hundreds more were injured. I reiterate my call on all stakeholders in Aden to demonstrate self-restraint and avoid any inflammatory speech. I urge them to resolve their differences in a peaceful and constructive manner through dialogue.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“This is my last briefing to the Council before my assignment as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen comes to an end. I began my assignment in April 2015, when Yemen was already embroiled in a conflict that has gradually destroyed its economy, health-care services, housing, roads and schools - everything that Yemenis need in order to live and prosper. The parties have maintained the destructive pattern of zero-sum politics that has plunged the country into more poverty and destruction. The decision makers in the conflictperceive concessions as weakness and dissent as a threat. Regrettably, they have consistency taken irresponsible and provocative actions that ignore the daily suffering of Yemenis generated by this conflict.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“Their implementation would bring real benefits to the Yemeni people. Finally, I request the Security Council to use all its political and economic power it to apply pressure on all parties to commit to a path of peace. The parties must climb out of their trenches and put an end to hostile rhetoric. Instead of fighting over Yemen, let us cooperate for the best interests of Yemen.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“The Yemenis themselves are not without many positive ideas for tackling these issues in a peaceful manner, but the parties need to show greater flexibility and listen to the people. If they do not do so, the fissures in Yemen's political and social fabric will only become wider, thereby increasing the danger of further fragmentation and with it the potential for terrorism. The United Nations is using all its political, logistical, administrative and advisory capabilities to support the Yemeni cause, but only the warring parties can decide to reach peace. They are the ones who will be held to account for a failure. I reiterate that the only viable path for the future of Yemen is a negotiated settlement. The proposals that I have put forward meet the concerns of both parties.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“People are asking the United Nations to provide a solution for salary-payment issue while others are actively working to hinder talks on the issue as if they able ignore the fact that millions onemenis are suffering. Many of the powerful in Yemen benefit from the current conflict at a time when their citizens are facing the worst suffering in the history of the country. At a time when the gap between the Yemeni people and those in power is growing, the people want this war to end. Yemeni young people, women and civil-society groups are calling for peace, stability and accountability for crimes committed. In the southern governorates, past injustices and calls for greater autonomy remain unaddressed despite the urgent need for them to be addressed.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“I am currently in the process of discussing a proposal that includes humanitarian initiatives to rebuild trust and steps to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. We will discuss the details of this proposal with the Government of Yemen and the alliance of the Houthis and General People's Congress, which have committed to engaging in further discussions on the details of the proposal. We hope that this commitment will translate into action by the parties and that it will deepen their engagement with me with respect to those initiatives, with a view to achieving a peaceful political solution. The bloodshed and destruction in Yemen has to end. There are no excuses. There are nojustifications.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“An agreement that provides for secure access for humanitarian and commercial goods to reach Hudaydah and get distributed to the rest of the country, for the opening of the Sana'a airport and for ensuring more consistent civil-service salary payments will be an essential step in alleviating the humanitarian crisis. However, those steps cannot replace the broad solution we are trying to achieve, which will be a part of a larger comprehensive peace agreement. To reach such a peace agreement, I held meetings with Yemeni and international officials during the opening week of the seventy-second session of the General Assembly in New York. I continue to be in communication with the parties.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“The programme is providing vital support to those households and is maintaining a critical safety-net system. There are no winners on the battlefield in Yemen. The losers are the Yemeni people, for it is they who are suffering from this war. They are getting poorer while their influential leaders are getting richer. These leaders are not interested in finding solutions because in a settlement they will lose their power and control. Nevertheless, the parties have to commit to ending all hostilities and start discussions for a comprehensive peace agreement. Common ground must be found in order to relieve the effects of conflict, hunger and disease and to increase mutual trust.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“If things remain unchanged, future Yemeni generations will have to suffer and bear the burden of this conflict - including the massive destruction, malnutrition, lack of education and economic deterioration it has caused. In the absence of a political solution, the outlook can only become bleaker. An agreement to end the war is urgently needed so that a new Yemeni unity Government, supported by the international community, can be formed and begin the process of rebuilding the country's economy and State institutions. I welcome the efforts of the World Bank and UNICEF to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis. The first disbursement of cash assistance to the most vulnerable Yemeni households took place on 20 August. The $400 million programme will reach all of its beneficiaries in the coming weeks and months.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“There are continuing efforts to reactivate the Central Bank and stabilize the Yemeni economy, as recently discussed in the track-II event held in Germany for the interest of repayment of salaries to Yemeni civil servants, including those in the education and health sectors. This will hopefully decrease the humanitarian and economic strife. Appproximately 17 million individuals are food insecure, and over one third of the country's districts are now in severe danger of famine. The destruction of infrastructure and the breakdown of public services have fuelled the world's worst outbreak of cholera, which has already killed more than 2,100 individuals and continues to infect thousands each week.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“It is a significant sign of the increased engagement of the international community and a step forward towards accountability and reducing future violations. I have consistently reminded the warring parties of their responsibilities under international humanitarian law and human rights law, including their obligation to stop the recruitment of child soldiers and to end sexual and gender-based violence. Targeting civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. The conflict is creating a desperate situation in every facet of daily life. The economy is shrinking even further and the use of dwindling State revenues to fund the war continues to hinder the salary payments on which millions onemenis depend.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“In Taiz city, shelling of residential areas from zones controlled by Houthi forces and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh has continued. In two incidents on 15 and 18 September, rocket-fire killed and injured tens of civilians, including eight children. In addition, on 23 September the coalition intercepted a Houthi missile fired towards the Saudi city of Khamis Al-Mushayt. The Houthis' recent threats to expand the firing of ballistic missiles towards other countries in the Gulf region represent a counterproductive escalation of rhetoric. Resolution 36/31, recently adopted by the Human Rights Council, supports the Yemen National of Inquiry and establishes a group of experts to examine alleged violations and abuses of international human rights and international law.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“The parties to the conflict in Yemen are pursuing a futile and cruel military conflict, which is eroding the path to peace. At the same time, the people of Yemen are suffering from an entirely man-made humanitarian catastrophe. Clashes and exchanges ofheavy fire have continued on all major frontlines, including Taiz, Ma'rib, A1 Jawf, Al Bayda, Hajjah and Sa'dah governorates, and the Saudi-Yemen border areas. The recent sharp increase in civilian casualties show the parties' continued disregard for the loss of civilian life and their obligations under international humanitarian law. An airstrike against a residential suburb of Sana'a took place on 25 August reportedly resulted in the killing of 14 civilians and the injury of 16 others, and caused further damage to civilian infrastructure.”
2017-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8066 (2017) · source
“We will continue to work with Yemenis, including human rights groups, women's groups and civil society, to mainstream the language of peace and reach a political solution that provides safety and stability to the Yemeni people, who deserve no less.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“Postponement and posturing for the media do not end the war, but only serve to deepen the rift in the country. A solid foundation for peace needs to be built from within Yemeni society. A society at peace, with competent and responsive institutions, will be built only through partnership and inclusiveness and policies that respond to the demands of the people throughout the country, from north to south. Those aspirations will need to be reflected in a constitution that protects all citizens - youth, children, men and women - from all political and ideological backgrounds. Those who want peace should find solutions, not search for pretexts. It is no secret that there are many merchants of war in Yemen who do not want peace.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“I hope they will commit to join those meetings as soon as possible. Every day we spend lingering without serious action towards a solution means more destruction and greater loss oflife. Yemen's path towards peace is clear, and actionable proposals are ready that will yield tangible benefits and serve to build confidence between the parties. International support for a full and comprehensive solution and for the efforts of the United Nations is unwavering. What is missing at this point is for the parties to the conflict - without any delays, excuses or procrastination - to demonstrate their determination to end the war and put the national interests above any personal gains. Placing blame on the United Nations, the Special Envoy or the international community will not make peace.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, a few days ago, and we discussed the ideas and proposals that I presented. The Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed their full support for my proposals, which also received backing from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States. Last month - and I informed members of this following my open briefing last month (see S/PV.7999) - I received a letter from Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress in which they reaffirmed the need to build upon what was discussed in the Kuwait talks. I have invited them to meet with me in a third country in order to discuss those proposals and turn them into an agreement that includes concrete steps to avoid further bloodshed and alleviate human suffering.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“The denial of access to basic goods for the people of Taiz has gone on too long. Ensuring freedom of movement for civilians is required by international humanitarian law, but is also called for out of respect for the long-standing values of solidarity and compassion of Yemeni society. Those initiatives should contribute to the rebuilding of confidence between the parties and serve as a first step towards a new national cessation of hostilities and the resumption of discussions for a full and comprehensive solution consisting of security and political components based on the Kuwait talks. I know that Yemenis are demanding those steps, and I hope that the parties to the conflict will embrace them as soon as possible. I met with the President of Yemen, Mr.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“The committee would also ensure the smooth flow of humanitarian and commercial goods through the port to all parts of Yemen, as well as the transfer of port revenues to support the resumption of salary payments to civil servants. In parallel, we are working with the parties on reopening Sana'a International Airport to commercial flights. That is a vital and fundamental component ofthe proposals, as it would make it possible for the wounded and sick to seek treatment abroad and permit students to continue their studies outside of Yemen. It would also ease imports and exports and improve the conditions of Yemeni citizens. There should also be immediate steps to reopen roads to and from Taiz for humanitarian and commercial supplies, as many representatives of Taiz civil society have demanded.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“We are currently urging the parties to agree to measures that will preserve the country's vital institutions and help, in the first phase, to secure the continued flow of humanitarian aid, pay salaries to civil servants and bring the smuggling of weapons under control. The proposal seeks to ensure the safe and uninterrupted functioning of the port of Hudaydah, which is presently a key artery for the entire Yemeni economy. It includes a practical plan to hand over the port to a committee of respected Yemenis with security and the economic expertise, who would be working under United Nations guidance and oversight. The committee would work to prevent the smuggling of weapons and ensure the safety and security of the port's operations and infrastructure.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“There is still consensus on the need to reach a political solution for the Yemeni crisis and to support the United Nations-sponsored peace process under the auspices of the Secretary-General. The international community is unified in support of a peaceful settlement, but the parties to the conflict continue to miss this opportunity. Certain parties continue to take advantage of internal divisions and place personal interests ahead of the urgent need for peace in Yemen. The political tensions in Yemen continue to undermine the State institutions on which many Yemenis depend. Immediate measures are needed to stop the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and save the country from further violence, epidemics, famine and other preventable and controllable crises.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“Since this is his last meeting with the Security Council on Yemen, I would also like to commend him for his courage and continued support for and visits to the most dangerous country in the world. Those who have survived cholera will continue to suffer the consequences of what I call the "political cholera" that infects Yemen and continues to obstruct the road towards peace. Over the last few weeks, I have visited Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In these visits, I met with several Ministers for Foreign Affairs as well as other senior officials from Yemen and the region.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“I reiterate that the longer the conflict goes on, the higher the risk that terrorist groups will spread and the stronger their influence will become. Uncontrolled migration to Yemen through the Gulf of Aden has continued relentlessly with tragic consequences. On 9 and 10 August, the International Organization for Migration reported that more than 41 migrants died after they had been forced by traffickers to abandon the boats andjump into the sea off the coast of Shabwa. In brief, death looms for Yemenis by air, land and sea. Diseases and epidemics are at unprecedented levels, as the Council has just heard from the Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency ReliefCoordinator, my colleague, Mr. Stephen O'Brien. I would like to commend Stephen for the role he has played.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“In addition, several ballistic missiles have been launched into Saudi Arabia. There were also reports of attacks on ships in Mokha port. Those attacks are a further evidence of the increasing threat to maritime security in the Red Sea. This threat puts the much-needed humanitarian and commercial supplies in peril. We have also observed continued hostilities along the Yemeni-Saudi borders as well as in Haj jah, Midi and Ma'rib. Fighting escalated in western Taiz, around the Khalid Bin Al Walid camp and the Taiz-Al Hudaydah road. Moreover, forces of the Government of Yemen, backed by the United Arab Emirates and United States Special Forces, have launched a military offensive in Shabwa targeting Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula fighters.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“Yemen today continues to traverse a critical and agonizing period, as civilians pay a terrible price in an unending power struggle. Those who survive the fighting face death by famine or disease, as the economic situation continues to deteriorate and the humanitarian conditions worsens. Military clashes have continued in several governorates around the country. On 4 August, according to several field reports, an air strike in the Madha area of Sa'dah governorate resulted in the death of eight civilians. On 20 August, another air strike on the Mawza district of Taiz killed more than 20 civilians. Houthi forces and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh continued to shell residential areas in Taiz, inflicting heavy losses among civilians who have already been subjected to much hardship over the past two years.”
2017-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8027 (2017) · source
“The people need an alternative to politicians who destroy their country instead of build it. The justifications are not convincing and the excuses are not acceptable, especially since there is still an opportunity to achieve peace.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“These groups are the true voices of Yemen, far removed from personal concerns and considerations. They convey the suffering of the people from the farthest corners of the country. The political leadership must recognize that the continuation of the war can lead only to more human and physical loss, and complicate crucial questions on the future of Yemen, including the grievances of the south. In that context, the southern question requires a deeply considered solution, and I call on all Yemenis to address it through dialogue and other peaceful means. Finally, I would like to note that history will not judge kindly those Yemeni leaders who have used the war to increase their influence or profit from public finances, and the patience of the people of Yemen will not last.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“In June, the Yemeni Women's Pact continued to promote a spirit of compromise as well as mechanisms that could put an end to this devastating conflict. I also recently met in Amman with a group of Yemeni youth activists who, while expressing sympathy for the suffering of the Yemeni people, also demonstrate the same commitment and dedication. Yemeni civil-society groups are in constant contact with my team and me. They recognize that only a political solution can end the war and the suffering of the Yemeni people. Their drive and sense of nationalism carries with it a great deal of hope. I wish that the political leaders would mirror these activists' love of their nation and its people, which I sense with each and every proposal I receive from civil society.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“It is essential that Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress engage with me on these proposals constructively and in good faith if they truly want an end to the war and an improvement in the humanitarian situation. I reiterate my sincere gratitude to the international community, which has consistently supported my efforts and the proposals that I have put forward to the parties. I recently visited France briefly, and its new Government reiterated its support for the peace process. Regional and international unity is critical if peace and security in Yemen are to be secured. I commend the courageous efforts of Yemeni civil society, which continues to push for peace in spite of many security challenges.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“I arrived this morning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I met Saudi Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. I welcome the commitment by the Saudi leadership to support efforts to bring the parties to agreement on these issues. I will depart for Cairo tomorrow to continue my current work with the Government of Yemen and regional leaders on these ideas. I also hope to meet soon with the delegations of Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress to discuss the possible agreements on Hudaydah and salaries as a preliminary step towards a national cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive resolution of the conflict, with a view to restoring peace and stability to Yemen.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“An agreement on the port of Hudaydah should become the basis for a national agreement for the resumption of salary payments nationwide, which should provide some relief to many Yemenis. Undoubtedly, such an agreement will require clear mechanisms for ensuring that all State revenues, whether collected in Hudaydah, Sana'a, Aden or elsewhere, are used in support of the payment of salaries and the reactivation of State institutions in all areas of the country. The Government of Yemen has reacted positively to these ideas and has agreed to negotiate on the basis of my proposals. In my meetings with President Hadi, he agreed on the need to implement measures to ensure the delivery of humanitarian and commercial supplies and to prevent arms smuggling and the diversion of taxes and other revenues.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“I am planning to invite representatives of Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress to restart discussions on those ideas as soon as possible. In the past few days, I was in direct contact with Ansar Allah, which is cause for optimism. I am grateful for the efforts of the People's Republic of China in playing an instrumental role in that regard. The proposed agreements focus on the Hudaydah port and the surrounding area. They aim to ensure the continued flow of basic humanitarian supplies and commercial goods through the port and to implement a programme for collecting taxes and other revenues for the purposes ofpaying salaries and supporting services, rather than underwriting the war.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“Over the past year, the United Nations Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator and I have called repeatedly for the resumption of commercial flights from and to the Sana'a airport. The absence of commercial flights has placed an unnecessary burden on the population and worsened an already desperate humanitarian situation. I appeal to the coalition and the parties to the conflict to support the United Nations proposal for the resumption of regular flights, especially for individuals requiring medical care, students studying abroad and family reunification. I continue to work with the parties and encourage them to strive towards the adoption of the agreements I outlined during my previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7954).”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“I call upon Member States to make every effort to support this initiative, as it is important to improving the work of State institutions, stabilize the humanitarian situation and provide basic-service delivery in future. A World Bank-financed cash-transfer programme is expected to disburse the first quarterly payment to the most vulnerable households across the country in August, to benefit about 8 million Yemenis. My Office has been working continuously with partners to ensure the success of this initiative, with a view to supporting household purchasing power, avoiding widespread destitution, improving the general situation and restoring hope. I hope that the international community will heed this call and support these initiatives.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“The speed and scale of Yemen's cholera outbreak serves to highlight the consequences of a collapsed public-sector system. I would like to praise the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's generous $67 million donation, which has helped to slow the spread of the disease. I call on other donors to provide further contributions as soon as possible. The non-payment of salaries for health-care workers and other staff in the public sector is an urgent issue. If it is not addressed, the continuation of the status quo will lead to key State institutions ceasing to function. I fully support the joint proposal by the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization and UNICEF to support immediate payments to health-care workers as soon as possible in advance so that health services may be maintained.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“The country is not suffering from a single emergency, but from a number of complex emergencies that have affected more than 20 million people and whose scale and effect will be felt long after the end of the war. Approximately 14 million people are food insecure, of whom almost 7 million are at risk of being victims of famine, as my colleagues will indicate in their respective briefings. Cholera is spreading rapidly and is infecting children and elderly people and other vulnerable groups in many parts of the country. There are now over 300,000 suspected cases of the disease, and more than 1,700 have died in the epidemic. Tens of thousands of health-care workers have not been paid for many months. More than half of the country's health facilities have closed, and supplies of medicine and medical equipment remain severely limited.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“On 7 June, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeted the convoy of the Abyan chief of security, killing two of his bodyguards. Later in the month, on 14 June, militants detonated an improvised explosive device at a police station in Dhale governorate, killing the chief of police and wounding several others. Here let me stress, as I have done before, that the longer the conflicts lasts, the more terrorist groups will expand and threaten Yemen's future by controlling more territory. The humanitarian situation in Yemen is appalling. The people are suffering from war and hunger and from cholera, which has continued to spread during the last few weeks.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“Both incidents resulted in numerous civilian deaths and injuries, including women and children. Despite the fact that we have urged the warring parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure continues; this cannot be tolerated. There must be respect for international legal norms. On 15 June, an Emirati ship was subjected to a bombardment from the vicinity of Al-Mokha port, threatening maritime security in the Bab Al-Mandab strait. The continued targeting of vessels in the area seriously jeopardizes the provision of much-needed humanitarian and commercial supplies to the most vulnerable Yemenis. In addition, security continues to be undermined by the activities of extremist groups, including Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“The fighting for control of the presidential palace in the city has intensified in parallel with indiscriminate shelling in residential areas, leading to an increase in the number of dead and injured, and further destruction of the city's remaining civilian infrastructure. There have been numerous casualties in Ma'rib governorate, particularly during the battle for control of Serwah district. Violence has also continued in Haj jah governorate and the border area between Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including on 22 and 29 June, when rockets landed in the Jizan area of Saudi Arabia. In addition, air strikes have continued to hit numerous locations in the governorates of Sa'dah, Taiz, Ma'rib and Sana'a. Air strikes hit a market in Moshnaq village, in Sa'dah, on 18 June, and Al-Mokha town on 4 July.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source