Statement by Chargé d'Affaires of the Russian Federation Dmitry Polyanskiy at UNSC briefing on Yemen
Mme.President,
We thank SESG Grundberg, OCHA Operations Director E.Wosornu for the briefings on the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen. We also followed the remarks by Ms.Al-Hajj.
We extend our condolences to the family of WFP staff member, Moayad Hameidi, who was killed on 21 June in Yemen. This tragic incident proves an urgent need to prioritize security of humanitarian workers.
Colleagues,
We note some positive momentum in the Republic of Yemen, which was made possible thanks to the commitment of key regional stakeholders to building more constructive relations. Despite the absence of a formal truce since October 2022, sides to conflict abstain from large-scale hostilities, which otherwise might provoke a dangerous escalation of tension. This was largely facilitated by the mediator efforts of regional powers that were galvanized at the end of last year, first of all Saudi Arabia and Oman. Besides, a number of important humanitarian aspects were endorsed, including detainee and prisoner exchange. In June, Yemenis residing in Ansar Allah-controlled areas had their first since the beginning of the conflict opportunity to perform Hajj thanks to flights between Sanaa and Jeddah that started recently.
Mme.President,
At the same time, we must note that the Yemeni settlement process currently is on hold. We deem it essential to wait for the results of the efforts by regional and international actors. We are convinced that none of the sides wants to escalate. On the contrary, their priority is dialogue and search for compromise.
On our part, we intend to continue coordinating approaches closely with the leading protagonists in Yemen, including Ansar Allah movement and key regional partners. We call on the Yemeni forces to discard the option of an armed confrontation and show restraint while maintaining close contacts with SESG Grundberg as the key international mediator.
We reiterate our full support for mediator activities of Hans Grundberg, and hope that his efforts will facilitate normalization and lead up to ensuring a lasting truce and, eventually, a valid political process.
Mme.President,
The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire. Two thirds of the population, which equals to 21 million people, are in need of humanitarian assistance. 3.2 million people experience food scarcity. The people of Yemen must have an unfettered access to food, medications, and other basic necessity items throughout the entire territory of the country, wherever in Yemen they may live. Restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries, and impediments for the work of humanitarians are unacceptable.
In this context, we would like to remind that we oppose extensive interpretations of UNSC sanctions resolutions on Yemen. Restrictive measures must be invoked to promote peace process rather than inflate political turbulence in the region. We note with concern that certain naval presences manipulate in ill faith the Security Council decisions when they inspect vessels in adjacent water areas.
Mme.President,
We welcome the termination of oil transfer from decrepit SAFER tanker that is anchored off the Yemeni coast. We specifically note the contribution of representatives of UN mechanisms to settling this issue, i.a. in cooperation with both official Yemeni authorities and Ansar Allah. Resolution of this long-standing problem will allow to preclude a large-scale environmental disaster in the Red Sea.
In conclusion, we remind again of UN Security Council resolution 598 and other initiatives aimed at sub-regional stabilization, including the renewed Russian concept for collective security.
Thank you.
