Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Vladimir Safronkov at the Security Council meeting on Yemen

Dear Mr. Chairman,

We thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lawcock and Special Envoy Martin Griffiths for their review of the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen. We are grateful to Ambassador Rhonda King for her report on the activities of the Yemeni sanctions committee.

We continue to follow closely the situation in Yemen, which is very uncertain: it fluctuates from glimmers of hope for progress in the settlement process to escalation of violence and prolongation of the crisis. The Yemeni sides have once again entered a phase of violent confrontation.

We are concerned that efforts to stabilize the situation have been stalled. At the beginning of this year, we welcomed the decrease in fighting and air strikes, but today we have to say that the armed confrontation has intensified again, which lead to dire humanitarian consequences.

We are convinced that military solution is not be an option in Yemen. We agree with Mr. Griffiths and the Yemeni parties that the final settlement formula should be based on mutual compromises.

We support the Special Envoy on all tracks of his mediation efforts. We welcome all peace initiatives aimed at facilitating dialogue between the Yemeni parties to a conflict. At the same time, we consider it important that the United Nations plays a central role in the settlement in that country. In that regard, in our work we should be guided by the principles of respect for Yemen's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We note Saudi Arabia's steps to end the hot phase of the conflict in Yemen and channel the situation to the format of negotiations. We believe it important and necessary for all parties to strictly abide by the Riyadh Agreement. Let us not forget that the unity of Yemen is the achievement of the Yemeni people.

We are convinced that inclusive dialogue of all Yemeni forces without exception is the only way to solve problems. We assume that as in other conflicts, it is up to the people of the country to determine the future of Yemen, taking into account the views of all the segments of the population. For our part, we will continue to contribute to the United Nations mediation in Yemen, including through contacts with all political forces and stakeholders in the country, both in the national capacity and as a UNSC permanent member. Our work is facilitated by the historical ties that Russia has with Yemen and its people.

We welcome agreements of the parties to launch an "air bridge" to transport Yemenis in need of medical treatment. We consider this an important humanitarian initiative that is not only aimed at providing practical assistance to the population, but also can become a very important element in building confidence between the parties. Progress in prisoner exchange agreements has also contributed to this process. It is essential that the parties to a conflict continue to move in that direction. We welcome the efforts of all people involved in ensuring the success of those agreements.

As long as the ceasefire in the area of Hodeidah is maintained, commercial vessels continue to enter and unload in this harbour. We must not allow the successful operation in Hodeida, which was the result of sustained and exhausting efforts, to fall victim to another wave of destabilization.

The international community must continue to act collectively to channel the conflict into the political arena and to provide necessary assistance to the Yemeni population, which is in dire need of humanitarian aid. We are convinced that such developments will not only benefit Yemen, but also ensure the security of all neighbouring States. Only terrorist groups benefit from the armed confrontation in Yemen. We call on all Yemenis to unite their efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Mr. President,

 In April this year, Yemen enters the 5th year of the bloody war. We must put an end to this conflict. This tragic date should encourage all Yemeni parties to engage in a comprehensive political process, finding compromises on the set of fundamental conflict settlement issues that Mr. Griffiths has just outlined in his report.

We agree with the Special Envoy: when there is a will there is a way. Yemenis must find the strength to close their ranks for the sake of the future of their own State in order to make it modern, prosperous and sustainable. The five-year war in Yemen should push external actors to consolidate their positions and more actively assist the Yemeni parties, as well as the UN, in finding a compromise. 

Instead of finger pointing, we should return to impartial diplomatic work and support Mr. Griffiths' work both in word and in deed. We believe that it is harmful and counterproductive to stir up anti-Iranian rhetoric.

In this regard, we would like to remind about the Security Council resolution 598, which stipulates for the Secretary-General to develop a security architecture for the region, in cooperation with regional States. In this regard, we draw attention to the relevant Russian concept of collective security in the Persian Gulf region and call on everybody to consider it and identify joint measures for de-escalation in the region. French diplomats have proposed constructive ideas. We should have a close look at them. Everyone is well aware of the proposals made by the Iranian leadership. Creative synthesis of these ideas will enable us to establish genuine international cooperation. Such cooperation will help us to stop the war in Yemen, improving the situation in the Persian Gulf region and establishing a dialogue between the Arab states and Iran. We see no alternative to such an approach.

Thank you.