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

“The situation in Yemen remains extremely grave. The intensity of the conflict is increasing daily, and the tragic humanitarian situation continues to worsen. For the third successive year, Yemenis have seen the holy month of Ramadan transformed from a month of tolerance and peace into a month of violence and hopelessness. Yemen has seen an increase in battles of attrition between the parties to the conflict, and the pace of military operations has increased in Hajjah, Ma'rib and Al Jawf governorates. Since 10 June, fighting has also escalated significantly in Taiz and areas to the east of the city.”
2017-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7999 (2017) · source
“If the conflict stops, then Yemenis and their partners in the international community will have the capacity and the will to rebuild the country. With the unified backing of the international community, the path towards peace has been clearly laid out for the parties involved. I take this opportunity to remind this Council of the thousands of Yemenis who have lost their lives for no other reason than paying the price of a war between their leaders. I would also like to remind the Council of the millions of Yemeni victims affected by man-made hunger, violence and famine. I appeal to the parties to stop fighting for power and instead to strive to build a country that respects the rights of all its citizens - a country with a prosperous economy and strong institutions for all Yemenis just as Yemenis deserve.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I am deeply concerned by the attack on my convoy while traveling from the airport to the United Nations compound on 22 May. Such an incident cannot be ignored, and I call on the local authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the attack and hold those responsible for the attack to account. Despite its gravity, it has increased my determination to continue with my efforts to fmd a negotiated political settlement that best serves the interests of the Yemeni people. I urge the Council to strongly convey to the parties that they need to engage immediately with the United Nations to agree on steps to avoid further bloodshed, halt the slide towards famine and recommit to a peaceful end to the war. The humanitarian crisis and the threat of famine are entirely man-made.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“In my discussions with those members of civil society, women and youth groups proposed very practical ideas, including opening the Sana'a airport for civilian flights and urgent demands for the thousands of students and Yemenis requiring urgent medical treatment throughout the country. The demands of those young people are just, logical, inspiring and practical. I very much regret to inform the Council that the call for peace from Yemeni women, civil society and the international community is still falling on deaf ears. An agreement on Al Hudaydah and salaries should represent a first step towards a national cessation of hostilities and renewed discussions on a comprehensive agreement. Yet, serious negotiations on those first steps have been slow to start.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“Such calls demonstrate once again the urgent need for a peace agreement so that Yemenis can engage in discussions to finalize the Constitution, agree on a framework for addressing past injustices and prepare for the election of a Government that puts the country on the path towards recovery and prosperity. Yemenis across the country have been worn out by the conflict. My meeting with an inspiring group of youth activists in Sana'a last week reminded me of the great Yemeni hopes for political transition before the war. The hopes of those young women and men for the resolution of issues have been ignored for too long. We discussed the political and security challenges facing Yemen, as well as the cholera outbreak.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“The members discussed mechanisms to increase women's inclusion in the peace negotiations and the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Yemeni women, civil society and political leaders have also been meeting regularly in discussions on the peace process and the future of the transition. I am very grateful for the efforts of Germany and the Berghof Foundation for hosting the events that will help Yemenis build consensus on their way to a return to a peaceful, orderly transition that meets the aspirations of Yemen's people. During the past two months, the demands of the southern governorates for greater autonomy have become more prominent.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I must highlight the important and effective role that Yemeni women continue to play in resolving conflict and in contributing to the vision for lasting peace and reconciliation, despite the atmosphere of violence and increasing risks to their safety. During my visit to Sana'a, I had the pleasure of meeting representatives of the Yemeni Women Pact for Peace and Security, which brings together Yemeni women from different political parties, as well as independent members of civil society. The meetings, which were convened by UN- Women, discussed issues that are central to the current conflict in Yemen, including the economic crisis, political deadlock and the possibility of preventing an attack against Al Hudaydah.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I would like to express my deep concern regarding recent reports from Yemen of efforts to suppress and undermine the work of journalists, human rights activists and civil society, including harassment, beatings, arbitrary detention and trials without due process. I am particularly worried by the sentencing to death of Yahya Al-Jubayhi, a prominent Yemeni journalist, by a court run by the Houthis and General People's Congress on 12 April. I am also concerned by the arbitrary arrest and threats to the safety of members of the Baha'i community. The parties must uphold their obligation to respect the integrity of civil society and allow such actors to carry out their valuable work without fear of threat or intimidation. They must also allow religious minorities to live without fear of persecution.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“That effort is just a part of a dynamic and innovative collaboration between the World Bank and the United Nations, which is unprecedented in scale and in the rapidity of its deployment. I am confident that it is having a positive impact today on the lives of Yemenis and will help to ensure a more rapid and stable recovery following the conflict. The prospect of economic recovery and stability is still a distant prospect for most Yemenis and the country continues to be fertile ground for extremist groups. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula operations have persisted in several governorates, including Hadramout, Aden, Al-Dhali, Ma'reb and Shabwa. The absence of stability, economic opportunity and rule of law means that Yemen will continue to be a haven for such groups unless there is lasting peace.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“Such mechanisms will be a vital boost for household purchasing power and will help millions of Yemenis keep their children out of the growing ranks of the malnourished. Commercial importers currently lack access to the financing required to sustain imports of essential goods, in particular during the holy month of Ramadan. I welcome efforts to create a trade finance facility that will allow commercial importers access to the hard currency that they need in order to pay for imports. That will ensure the continued availability of key commodities in Yemeni markets and will prevent the degradation of supply chains, allowing for more rapid economic recovery in the long term.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“It requires cooperation and negotiations about the use of existing resources in the country rather, than the scapegoating of the United Nations. In parallel with efforts to avoid destructive conflict, we must also preserve systems that can serve the Yemeni people now and in the future. I am grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Bank for organizing a conference to discuss urgent measures to support Yemen's economy and State institutions, as well as its longer-term recovery and reconstruction. I praise the work of the World Bank, UNICEF and local Yemeni institutions in restarting cash assistance to the poorest families through existing distribution social safety mechanisms.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I have proposed an agreement that would prevent military clashes in Al Hudaydah and should be negotiated in parallel with an agreement to ensure the resumption of salary payments nationally to all civil servants. The lack of salary payments is driving millions of Yemenis into destitution. Such an agreement would require mechanisms to ensure that all State revenues, whether collected in Al Hudaydah, Sana'a, or elsewhere, are used in support of salary payments and the preservation of essential Government services in all areas of the country. I call on all parties to engage with me, without delay, on the basis of my proposal. Salary payments are possible only through an agreement between the Yemeni parties.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I regret that the delegation of Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress in Sana'a did not meet with me to discuss the framework for such an agreement. My proposal, which includes security, economic and humanitarian elements, would allow for the continued flow of commercial and humanitarian supplies and ensure the end of any diversion of customs revenues and taxes so that they could be used to support salaries and services rather than the war or for personal benefit. Agreement between the parties on those issues will safeguard the population of Al Hudaydah against further harm and preserve commercial and humanitarian supply chains and the payment of salaries.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“As the World Health Organization has underlined, Yemenis are dying not just from violence; the violence, lack of salaries and the loss of their livelihoods prevents them from receiving the basic treatment they need to survive. So far, we have managed to avert military action in Al Hudaydah. The spread of fighting to the city would lead to a devastating loss of civilian life and infrastructure. It would threaten the flow of food and medical supplies through the port and bring further suffering to the Yemeni people. I made it clear to the parties during my recent meetings with the Government of Yemen and with political leaders in Sana'a that they must reach a compromise on the situation in Al Hudaydah, in order to prevent such a horrific scenario.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“As the holy month of Ramadan begins, we must remember that 7 million Yemenis are at risk of famine unless the conflict ends. A quarter of Yemenis cannot afford food on the local market. Half of Yemen's population lacks access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, thereby increasing the risk of infectious diseases. The most recent outbreak of cholera has led to more than 500 deaths and over 60,000 suspected cases in 19 governorates. The rapid spread of the disease has been aggravated by an inadequate health-care system. Fewer than 45 per cent of medical facilities are functioning and medicines for diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other chronic diseases are in short supply.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“The persistent military action is leading to an increased militarization of the Yemeni population, the extensive proliferation of weapons and widespread use of deadly landmines. The terrible scenes witnessed on the west coast and other areas ofthe country show yet again how the conflict is laying waste to the civilian population, its homes and livelihoods. The parties must urgently come together to prevent the deepening of the catastrophic situation. I will not hide the fact that we are nowhere close to reaching a comprehensive agreement from the Council. The reluctance of the key parties to embrace the concessions needed for peace, or even discuss them, remains extremely troubling. Yemenis are paying a price for their needless delay.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“Violence has also continued in Hajjah governorate and the border area between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. There has been a significant escalation of violence in Taiz, including intensified shelling from 21 to 23 May by forces allied with Ansar Allah and Ali Abdullah Saleh, leading to the deaths and injury of tens of civilians and significant damage to civilian infrastructure in the city. The shelling of civilian areas and civilian infrastructure is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Air strikes have hit numerous other locations in the country. On 29 March, an air strike in Saada governorate reportedly killed 12 civilians, including several children. In addition, ballistic missiles were fired into Saudi territory.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I thank you very much, Sir, for the opportunity to brief the Council on the latest developments in the Yemeni peace process. Tragically, the violence continues on numerous fronts, deepening the suffering of the Yemeni people. Much of the violence has focused on the western coastline of Taiz governorate, where pro- Government forces are attempting to make progress from Al-Dhubab and Al-Mokha towards Hudaydah port and inland towards Taiz city. An assessment mission carried out by humanitarian agencies in early April found that Al-Dhubab town was largely empty due to widespread destruction of infrastructure and contamination by unexploded ordnance and landmines. In Al-Mokha town, an estimated 40 per cent of houses and infrastructure have been damaged by the fighting.”
2017-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7954 (2017) · source
“I have seen for myself the suffering of the Yemeni people. Ijust returned from a devastated Sana'a. I saw at first hand the suffering of Yemeni women and men. I hope that Yemeni leaders will be able to see the impact that this tragedy has had on the country, take the bold decision to commit to a political solution and put an end to the conflict. The solution to the Yemeni situation is not external. The United Nations and the international community can help to promote, mediate and bring pressure to bear. But the key decisions and compromises must be made by Yemenis and will depend upon their ability to make consessions. Failing that, history will judge them harshly.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“Since my previous briefing to the Council, over the past few weeks I have held meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Jordan, as well as Sweden. I also met with the Deputy Foreign Ministers of China and the Russian Federation. I have seen that there is in fact consensus for the efforts of the United Nations. In that regard, I would like to mention the support I received from the Russian Embassy in Sana'a during my latest visit. I hope that the international community will continue to bring pressure to bear on the parties so that they recommit within the next few days to a cessation of hostilities. I am confident that improvements in the security situation will open up space for a renewed political dialogue, which we hope will bring about a solution.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“I also encourage international partners to find ways to ensure access to hard currency for importers of basic commodities, so as to guarantee the continuity of such imports. There is a clear path out of the violence that plagues Yemen. Although it requires some concessions, the proposals that I put forward are based on the concerns and needs of both sides and take into account the political, security and social situation in the country, while providing for a secure future for Yemen and Yemenis. I will present the sides with a detailed timetable that reflects the political and security stages and their sequencing, as we envisage it. I call upon the parties to demonstrate political wisdom and responsibility in order to make the necessary progress.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“The extensive delay in the payment of civil servants' salaries has severely undercut the purchasing power of most Yemeni households. The continuing lack of payments will drive ever more people into destitution. The Government of Yemen, the Central Bank, Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress must work together to ensure the resumption of salary payments to civil servants in all areas ofthe country. Earlier today, I received information from the Government that salary payments had resumed. It will also be critical, in cooperation with UNICEF and the World Bank, to fully fund the social welfare fund that provides cash payments to the most vulnerable people in Yemen.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“The Emergency Relief Coordinator, my colleague Mr. Stephen O'Brien, will be able to provide members more details on the war's terrible impact on the humanitarian situation. In that regard, the continued closure of the Sana'a airport has added to the overall hardship. Many people who want to leave Yemen to seek medical treatment abroad cannot do so, while Yemenis abroad are unable to return home. As well, the journey to and from Aden airport is too difficult for many to undertake, leaving many people with no option. I call on the Government of Yemen to allow for the resumption of commercial flights to Sana'a without further delay. And I call on all parties to ensure the safety of air navigation. I have addressed a formal letter to all parties calling on them to ensure the safety of the airport and of all civilian commercial aircraft.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“I emphasized, and assured President Hadi, that what was being presented by the United Nations were proposals open for discussion in order to reach a comprehensive solution acceptable to all sides and that there was no other way to bring about peace in Yemen and to afford all Yemenis an opportunity to come to the table to address their country's challenges, including the south's historic grievances. Yemen's economic and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. According to humanitarian organizations, 18.8 million Yemenis require humanitarian assistance and 2.2 Yemeni children are malnourished - one of the highest rates of acute malnutrition in the world. That is not only a result of poverty, but of a deterioration in basic services in the areas of health, water and sanitation, as well as other factors.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“More than once, we have said how dangerous it is to take unilateral decisions in these difficult times and how that will impact the revitalization of State institutions. On the Government level, since my previous briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.7797) I have undertaken two visits to Aden, under difficult and sensitive security conditions. My latest trip took place on 16 January, when I met Yemeni President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, Prime Minister Ahmed Obaid Bin-Daghr and Foreign Minister Abdulmalik Al-Mikhlafi. I called on the President to commit publicly to the consultations based on my proposals made in Kuwait and thereafter. Continued criticism of the proposals without agreeing to discuss them in order to make amendments undermine the path towards peace and prolongs the conflict.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“In November, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States helped us to ensure that the delegation of Ansar Allah and General People's Congress agreed to a road map as a negotiable working paper, which was a positive development. However, they did not provide any practical proposals or detailed plans for security arrangements dealing with military withdrawal or the handover of heavy weaponry. Therefore, no progress was possible, specially given that the security component is essential and fundamental to peace. We discussed these topics in details during my latest visit to Sana'a. Undoubtedly, the decision by Ansar Allah and the General People's Congress to set up a parallel Government within the Supreme Political Council throws up an additional barrier along the road to peace and has an adverse impact on trust between the parties.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“While the parties still have some concerns and reservations, I will continue my consultations with them in order to arrive at compromises and a convergence of views. To a large extent, this proposal builds on the main points discussed during the Kuwait consultations and paves the way towards a political solution that is in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216 (2015), and the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its implementation mechanism. It is also the first step along the path towards peace and sets the stage for a transitional period in accordance with the National Dialogue Conference decisions. The international community has welcomed that proposal.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“We were not surprised at that stance, given that Jordan hosts a large number of neighbouring countries' citizens, including Yemenis, providing them safe shelter and basic health services. In that regard, I welcome the positive response of the Yemeni Government and the fact that it has agreed to send its representatives to the workshop. I hope that the delegation of Ansar Allah and General People's Congress will confirm their participation at that gathering. On the political front, the statement issued at the meeting on 18 December in Riyadh called on the parties to respond constructively to the United Nations proposal I submitted in preparation for a next round of cosultations.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“My Office has completed preparations for the preparatory meeting, which includes a five-day workshop for representatives from both sides to develop a concrete joint implementation plan to ensure the strengthening of the cessation of hostilities and that no violations occure by either party. The successful implementation of the cessation of hostilities will bring about a much-needed respite for many Yemenis, as well as hope after suffering long months of war, and will pave the way for progress towards a political agreement. I met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan two days after he took up his position. He stated that his country was willing to host the workshop. He also expressed the Kingdom's willingness to provide any assistance needed for the people of Yemen and to support peace in that country.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“On 18 December, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting in Riyadh with the Foreign Ministers of the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the United Kingdom, and I was invited to join. The meeting ended with an urgent call for a rapid recommitment to a cessation of hostilities, followed by a two-week preparatory period in order to look into the violations that have taken place every time a cessation ofhostilities has been announced. We want to ensure that this time the parties honour the cessation of hostilities fully and effectively in order to allow assistance to be provided to the Yemeni people.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“Both sides continue to claim in the media that they have made significant military progress, but I remain convinced that there is no possibility of a military solution. We are witnessing daily attacks and counterattacks. Those who seek a military solution will only prolong the suffering caused by the war, allow the terrorist threat to continue to grow, and deepen the challenges of Yemen's eventual recovery following the war. The continued military activity is all the more tragic as a viable proposal for peace is on the table and within reach of both parties. With political courage and will, this war can be stopped.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the latest developments in Yemen. The past several months have seen a dangerous escalation of military activities, with tragic consequences for the Yemeni people. Armed hostilities have continued in many areas, including Sana'a governorate, Taiz city and the border area between Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Civilians in Taiz continue to suffer from indiscriminate shelling in residential areas of the city, with such attacks increasing in recent days. Ground shelling and air strikes have also escalated along the western coastline following the launch of Operation Golden Spear by the Government of Yemen and allied forces.”
2017-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7871 (2017) · source
“The road map I have proposed to the parties is widely supported by the international community because it provides a comprehensive solution and includes guarantees for the political representation of all political groupings. I would like to ask the Council for its full support of the peace plan, an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of all prisoners and detainees. And to the Yemenis I say that the dawn of peace could be near if those responsible decide to prioritize the national interest and start working on rebuilding a stable State that guarantees the rights of all of its people without discrimination.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“I also thank the Foreign Ministers of the Sultanate of Oman, France, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain and the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, for their support. I am also grateful to the Council members for their unwavering support for the efforts to restore peace in Yemen. After 18 months of horrific fighting, thousands of deaths, injuries, unspeakable human suffering and total economic collapse, we all need to ask how long Yemenis will remain hostages to personal and reckless political decisions. What are the parties waiting for to sign a political agreement? Have they not understood that there are no winners in wars?”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“The road map and the agreements discussed in Kuwait should allow the peace process to move towards a comprehensive settlement in the coming weeks if the parties engage in good faith and demonstrate a sense of political and national awareness. I am grateful for the international community's continued support to my proposal for a comprehensive agreement and calls for a cessation of hostilities. The quadrilateral meetings of the Foreign Ministers of the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Jeddah, New York and London have supported these efforts, along with their counterparts from the remaining members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“I have been informed unofficially that the parties have rejected the road map. This demonstrates that the political elite in Yemen remain unable to overcome their differences and prioritize national, public interest over personal interests. It is time for the parties to realize that there can be no peace without concessions and no security without agreement. They should base their positions on the question of how to ensure security and stability for the Yemeni people. I will return to the region immediately following this briefing to start consultations with the parties in Sana'a and Riyadh with the aim of reaching a detailed agreement based on the road map. It is now the responsibility of the delegations to prioritize peace and stability.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“The road map contains a set of sequenced political and security steps, conducted in parallel, that would help Yemen return to peace and orderly political transition. The road map foresees the creation of military and security committees that would supervise withdrawals and the hand-over of weapons in Sana'a, AI-Hudaydah and Taiz. The committees would also be tasked with ensuring the complete end of military violence and the safety and security of the population and State institutions. The road-map also lays out interim political arrangements, including the appointment of a new Vice-President and the formation of a Government of national unity that would lead Yemen's transition process and oversee the resumption of political dialogue, the completion of the constitutional process and, ultimately, elections.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“Prime Minister Ahmed Bin-Dagher announced via social media plans to convene a national body to ratify the draft constitution. I again urge the parties to refrain from taking any further measures, which will only complicate reaching a negotiated settlement to put Yemen on the path to peace. I have conducted extensive consultations with the Yemeni parties and members of the international community over the past few weeks, and presented the parties with a comprehensive and detailed road map to end the conflict. The road map is consistent with resolution 2216 (2015) and other relevant resolutions, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, and the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“All parties, including the Government of Yemen, the Houthis and GPC, must commit to cooperating to ensure the continued functioning of the Central Bank and a rapid resumption of salaries throughout the country. Despite the international community's calls for the Yemeni parties to fully commit to the peace process, the parties have continued to take unilateral actions that risk undermining the prospects for peace. On 2 October, the High Political Council established by the Houthis and GPC asked the former Governor of Aden to form a new Government. President Hadi Mansour's decision to replace the Governor of the Central Bank and relocate the Bank to Aden has created further economic uncertainty at a time when urgent measures to save the economy are necessary.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“My colleagues Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Mohannad Hadi, Regional Director of the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North African region, will provide the Council with a more detailed briefing of the humanitarian situation and the United Nations efforts to provide assistance. I should add that the deteriorating economic situation threatens to create a far greater humanitarian crisis in the coming months if urgent action is not taken to save the day. Salary payments for most civil servants - a primary source of income for much of the population - have already ceased. Unless they are resumed quickly, many more Yemenis will face destitution and be forced to rely on humanitarian aid to survive.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“In addition to the growing difficulty Yemenis are experiencing in obtaining medical treatment at home, many Yemenis are also unable to seek treatment abroad due to the prohibition of commercial flights from Sana'a. In that context, I call for the immediate resumption of commercial flights to and from Sana'a. I also call on the Houthis and GPC to ensure that access for humanitarian agencies is free from bureaucratic impediments and intimidation so that all who need assistance can receive it.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“As part of their counter-terrorism efforts, Yemeni security forces raided the house of a prominent Islamic State leader and confiscated a variety of weapons and explosives. In Abyan, counter-terrorism forces killed three militants, including a high-ranking AQAP affiliate, and arrested two others. The escalating military situation continues to exacerbate a very dire humanitarian situation, which requires far greater attention from the international community. Local authorities in Yemen are unable to provide basic social services for the population. This is particularly true in the health sector, Where only 45 per cent of facilities are functional.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“A United Arab Emirates vessel was targeted in the Strait of Bab El-Mandab. United States destroyers travelling through international waters were reportedly targeted by direct missile attacks and reportedly responsibilityonded by firing on Houthi radar sites. These incidents risk causing a more acute escalation of the conflict and threaten the security of international maritime movement. I thank the Council for its call on 4 October for such attacks to cease immediately. In southern Yemen, Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the so-called Islamic State continue to attack State institutions and civilian targets. In Aden on 1 October, a suicide bomber killed one civilian and injured three others, and on 29 and 30 September gunmen affiliated with the Islamic State assassinated a retired intelligence officer and a security officer.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“I regret to report that both sides were involved in significant violations of the cessation of hostilities from its very first day. I am deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities, which has continued at an alarming rate in the past few weeks. Fighting has escalated in Taiz, Mareb, Al-Jawf and Haj jah and along the border with Saudi Arabia, where ballistic missile attacks have increased in frequency and range. The targeting of the area of Mecca al-Mukarramah and Jeddah was a dangerous development that may affect the course of the war and the feelings of more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide. I am also concerned that, according to reports, international vessels travelling off the coast of Yemen have come under fire from Houthi-controlled territories in recent weeks.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“Taiz has been subject to the indiscriminate and lethal shelling of its residential areas that has caused great damage to the city and its population and must stop. These incidents are a horrific reminder of the consequences of a war that has blighted the country during the past 18 months of conflict. The conduct of the parties on the ground is contrary to their prior commitments to engage fully and constructively in the United Nations-mediated peace process. I called on the parties to recommit to the 10 April terms and conditions for the cessation of hostilities. Although I would have preferred an open-ended cessation of hostilities, I was able to gain agreement on a 72-hour pause, which entered into force on 19 October.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“This is a clear demonstration of their sense of nationalism and commitment to peace. The Arab coalition has taken responsibility for the attack and its joint incidents assessment team conducted a rapid preliminary investigation, which recommended action against those involved and a revision of the coalition's rules of engagement. It will be very important to complete the investigations and to ensure the accountability of those involved. Sadly, the 8 October attack was not the only incident in which civilians and civilian infrastructure were targeted in the past weeks. On 3 October, the shelling of the Bir Basha district of Taiz from areas controlled by forces of the Houthi and General People's Congress (GPC), resulted in nine civilian deaths, including three children.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“I visited the site of the attack several days ago, together with family members of the victims, and saw for myself the shocking scale of destruction. The Mayor of Sana'a, Abdel Kader Hilal - a seasoned politician known for his bravery and commitment to peace until his very last day, and two members of the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) - were among the victims of the attack. The bombing ofa funeral is contrary to all Yemeni norms and traditions, as well as to international humanitarian law, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. I extend once again my deepest condolences to the families ofthe victims and wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in this attack. I commend the statements issued by the families of the victims, calling for restraint and a thorough investigation of the incident.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to update the Council on the latest developments in Yemen and challenges facing efforts to ensure the country's return to peace and stability. Recent developments in Yemen run counter to the commitments to peace made by the parties to the United Nations and the international community. The security situation is dire, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate despite the efforts of the humanitarian agencies. With regard to security, on 8 October the Grand Hall in Sana'a was subject to a tragic and painful attack, where nearly 1,000 Yemenis were gathered to pay their condolences at a funeral, killing more than 140 and injuring 550.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“The Yemeni people have suffered for far too long, and understandably demand that Yemen's leaders demonstrate their commitment to the well- being of Yemen and the Yemeni people, and that they restore peace and security to their country without further delay. Peace in Yemen is a priority, and the safety and security of all Yemenis should not be taken for granted. The United Nations has dedicated all of its political and administrative expertise to help Yemenis, but that will not be sufficient if the decision makers do not uphold their responsibilities and prioritize the interest of the population. The United Nations has not, and will not, fail Yemen. Yemen's leaders must not fail the Yemeni people - all the Yemeni people - in the south and in the morth.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7765 (2016) · source
“As specified in the terms and conditions agreed upon before the start of the Kuwait consultations, the cessation of hostilities should include a full end to all military activities by land, sea or air, using any kind of weapon. It should also include a complete de-escalation along Yemen's border with Saudi Arabia. The recommitment to the cessation of hostilities will spare Yemen further loss of life, allow for an increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance and generate much-needed confidence for the negotiation of a comprehensive and peaceful solution. Only a negotiated political settlement can put an end to the devastation and injustice brought about by this horrific war.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7765 (2016) · source