Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at an open VTC of UNSC members on the situation in Yemen
Mr. President,
We thank SESG Martin Griffiths and USG Mark Lowcock for the review of the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Unfortunately, the negative trends still persist in Yemen, and there has been no breakthrough that would bring closer the political settlement of the crisis. We are concerned over the continuing escalation in Marib, reported armed action in other parts of the country, as well as strikes against the territory of Saudi Arabia. We once again call on the sides to look for political and diplomatic solutions in order to resolve the conflict.
We welcomed the initiative of Saudi Arabia aimed at a peaceful resolution of the crisis through termination of armed action, resuming of the operations of the international airport in Sanaa, allowing humanitarian and commercial vessels to enter the Hodeidah port, and start of inter-Yemeni negotiations under the UN auspices that should define the future political structure of the country. This initiative goes in line with the previously announced plan of Special Envoy Griffiths. We proceed from the understanding that a comprehensive long-term settlement of the conflict can be achieved once the interests of all key political forces in Yemen are accounted for.
We are going to further support the corresponding efforts of the Special Envoy, and encourage President A.Hadi and the leaders of “Ansar Allah” movement to stick to a constructive approach, and be ready for compromise. We welcome the constructive role of the regional states, including Oman, in the mediator efforts.
An important step promoting the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement of 5 November 2019, designed to normalize the situation in the south of Yemen, was made in December last year, when a new coalition government was formed to include representatives of the Southern Transitional Council. We hope that implementation of the mentioned agreements would enhance public safety and security; allow to focus on acute socio-economic and humanitarian problems in that part of Yemen.
Mr. President,
Numerous humanitarian challenges cannot be addressed effectively unless there is progress at the political track. This includes lifting of the sea, air, and on-land blockade of the country, and other urgent practical steps aimed at improving the critical socio-economic situation. Broad-based assistance of the international community is needed to counter famine and disease. We are concerned over UN reports that since March 2021, Yemen has witnessed an increase in COVID-19 incidence and related deaths. According to OCHA, Yemen's 2021 humanitarian response plan has been financed only by 13%. Therefore, we call on the donors, i.a. from the region, to enhance the required financial support for UN programs providing basic assistance, including those ensuring food security of the population, non-discriminatory access to clean water and medical services.
We are convinced that mutually acceptable solutions, free from any political implications, can also help solve the problem of SAFER tanker.
The entire Persian Gulf area needs to de-escalate, therefore we remind of relevant UNSC resolution 598, as well as the Russian collective security concept that can lay the groundwork for advancing the international efforts, aimed at stabilizing this sub-region.
Thank you.
