Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on the situation in Yemen
Mme.President,
We thank SESG Grundberg and ASG Msuya for the briefings on the political and humanitarian developments in Yemen. We also followed closely the remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator in Yemen, Mr. David Gressly.
The situation in Yemen gives hope for some cautious optimism. There have been no hostilities for more than a year. After the official ceasefire terminated in October 2022, everything has remained relatively calm on the ground. Clearly, sides to conflict are not prone to an escalation and prefer to abstain from large-scale confrontation. Positive momentum has been created by an increase in the number of flights between Sanaa and Amman, inception of Sanaa-Jeddah flight connection, and a preliminary agreement to hold another exchange of prisoners and detainees. All this gives us hope that the protagonists in Yemen may be able to reach a compromise soon. The general trend towards normalization in the region also helps to create a favorable setting for this.
Amidst these conditions, conjugation of efforts of regional and international actors that seek to facilitate a rapprochement of the positions of the parties to conflict in Yemen appears crucial. We will further coordinate our approaches with the leading Yemeni forces, calling them to elaborate mutually acceptable solutions and build confidence, i.a. with key regional partners.
Mme.President,
We are convinced that only progress at the settlement track that should result from regional and international efforts will make it possible to avoid a worst-case scenario for Yemen, which is a relapse into full-scale military confrontation, the one that we have already witnessed more than once. The ultimate goal of international mediation should be a lasting and comprehensive solution to the many problems in Yemen, which have implications for the neighboring states too.
Traditionally, we reiterate our full support for SESG Grundberg and commend his active shuttle diplomacy. We do hope that these efforts will transform into a lasting and reliable ceasefire and unlock opportunities for a full-fledged inclusive national dialogue under UN auspices.
Security Council members need to realize that sooner or later a need will present itself to revisit and renew the international legal framework for settlement, which should duly reflect the actual military and political setting.
We also oppose an expansive interpretation of the UNSC sanctions resolutions on Yemen. Restrictive measures should be used to promote a peaceful settlement rather than fuel political turbulence in the region. We note with concern that certain foreign naval presences engage in unfair manipulations of UNSC decisions by conducting vessel inspections in nearby waters.
Mme.President,
The Security Council acted unanimously today in favor of renewal of the mandate of the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) for another 12 months. We welcome this decision. We remain committed to a de-escalation in Hodeidah and believe that its ports should carry on as civil facilities. We call on the sides to engage meaningfully with UN mediators and abstain from unilateral steps. We welcome the resumption of the work of UNMHA’s Redeployment Coordination Committee, which is helping to improve the security situation in that part of Yemen.
Unfortunately, the socio-economic situation in Yemen remains complicated. The humanitarian situation is dire. The people of Yemen must have unfettered indiscriminate access to food, medications, and other basic items across the country. Restrictions on humanitarian deliveries, as well as obstacles to the work of humanitarians are unacceptable. We note the mediator efforts of regional stakeholders who assist the Yemenis at the financial and humanitarian tracks.
We welcome the progress in implementing the UN Plan for the FSO SAFER tanker, which is moored off the coast of Hodeidah. This is literally a ticking time bomb, which threatens to cause a humanitarian and environmental disaster in the Red Sea. According to Mr.Gressly, the operation proceeds as scheduled. We hope that the coordinated efforts of the Yemenis, UNDP, and specialized NGOs will ultimately put an end to this threat.
We take this opportunity to remind again of UNSC resolution 598 and other initiatives to facilitate stabilization at sub-regional level, including the renewed Russian Collective Security Concept.
Thank you.
