Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen

In his briefing to the #UN #SecurityCouncil today, Special Envoy Martin Griffiths reflected on the slow progress in the negotiation over a draft #JointDeclaration to commit the parties to a nationwide ceasefire, humanitarian and economic measures to alleviate the suffering of the people of Yemen, and the resumption of the political process.
“The conflict is between the Yemeni parties. Only serious and deliberate commitments by their leaders can bring this conflict to a close. It is now time for them to take the final decisions required to bring the negotiations on the #JointDeclaration to fruition,” Mr. Griffiths said, “I’m becoming convinced that perhaps this is what is needed in the #JointDeclaration, an opportunity for the parties to explain to each other their positions and together to reach the compromises needed. I shall be discussing this and other options with the parties.”
Mr. Griffiths pointed to the Council that despite reduced levels of violence at the frontlines, he remains concerned about periodic spikes in violence between the parties in #Marib and #Taiz, increased attacks on Saudi territory, and recent shootings and shellings that destroyed homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship in several locations in #Yemen.
“Once again, I call on the parties to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilian lives and infrastructure," Mr. Griffiths reiterated.
Mr. Griffiths expressed his hope for the “swift implementation” of the #RiyadhAgreement given the need for broader stability in Yemen, including in the southern governorates.
Special Envoy Griffiths briefed the Council on the UN efforts to avert the threat posed by the #SAFER oil tanker and described the ongoing negotiations to secure the necessary permits for a UN expert mission as “far slower than an issue of this urgency and magnitude requires.”
“The United Nations has been trying to negotiate access for months for the expert mission to conduct an assessment of the condition of the vessel, undertake initial repairs and formulate recommendations on what is required to avoid a spill. Although discussions have been constructive, we are yet to receive the approvals needed for the mission. Given what is at stake, it is of the utmost importance that Ansar Allah give the United Nations the green light to proceed,” Mr. Griffiths stressed.
Mr. Griffiths pointed to the Council a recent event with @UNwomenYemen to mark the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution #1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The event brought together 30 Yemeni women leaders who emphasized the importance of resuming negotiations, ending the war, enhancing women’s political participation and representation, as well as protection from political and gender-based violence.
“These are not just good ideas for Yemeni women. These are good ideas for all Yemenis. To ensure that these ideas become central to the negotiations, we need to see women represented in their delegations. All of us in our different ways can help to make this happen,” Mr. Griffiths said.
Special Envoy Griffiths concluded by pointing out that Yemen is “at a point of decision” once more.
“The plight of its people demands nothing less than a firm bet on peace, ending the shooting war, opening up the country and resuming the search for an inclusive political solution,” Mr. Griffiths said.
Read the full briefing:
https://osesgy.unmissions.org/briefing-united-nations...

453 views17:28