Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at UNSC briefing on the situation in Yemen
Mr.President,
We thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary-Griffiths for the briefings on political and humanitarian developments in Yemen.
We keep following the situation in Yemen very closely. The fact that there is currently no acute military escalation unambiguously demonstrates the general commitment of the leading political forces to resuming the ceasefire. However, this task is aggravated by mutual contradictions of the sides. In these conditions, it is essential to exercise utmost restraint, and prevent provocative actions, especially military steps that can lead up to disastrous consequences.
The required decisions need to be elaborated in the framework of an inclusive negotiations process under UN auspices. This is the only way peace can be attained, while taking into account the legitimate interests of the leading political forces. Stabilization can only be effected through a direct dialogue with “Ansar Allah” that has long become objective reality of the current military-political power balance. In this regard, we welcome efforts undertaken via all channels, aimed at moving the Yemeni settlement from its stalemate and unlocking a path towards stabilization.
Mr.President,
The international community needs to do its best to help to bring peace back to Yemen. At the same time, we see more and more signs indicating that the ultimate goal of our colleagues is not to ensure a comprehensive lasting settlement of most Yemen’s outstanding problems that also affect the neighboring states, but rather to ensure unimpeded exports of Yemeni hydrocarbons to global markets. We think this opportunistic approach is extremely harmful for the prospects of a lasting peace.
On our part, we keep promoting settlement while maintaining standing contact with both the official authorities and the Houthis, whereby we underscore the importance of inter-Yemeni contacts and of a trustful dialogue with SESG Grundberg. We also hope that SESG’s efforts will result in elaboration of constructive proposals in coordination with the sides that could serve as the starting point for recovery of a “silence regime”, launch of a full-fledged political process and upgrading of the legal basis for the Yemeni settlement.
Mr.President,
Unfortunately, Yemen is still having a dire socio-economic situation. We underscore the need to galvanize international efforts aimed at supporting all Yemenis in need of assistance, and also to lift all restrictions affecting deliveries of food, medications, and other essential goods to all areas of Yemen, and, subsequently, to fully lift Yemen’s blockade. We call to set forth cooperation with international financial institutions in this area, and to facilitate activities of UN specialized bodies without prejudice to the work of female personnel.
Thank you.
