The UN Security Council has urged warring parties in Yemen to urgently intensify negotiations towards expanding their historic truce that could be translated into a "durable ceasefire," according to a UN statement issued on Monday.
Members of the Security Council welcomed the "exceptional measures" taken by the Yemeni government to avert fuel shortages in the Houthi-controlled areas, reiterating their call upon the Houthis to act with flexibility in negotiations and immediately open the main Taiz roads.
The Council condemned all attacks that threatened to derail the truce, including the recent Houthi attacks on Taiz.
In a statement issued on Monday, the members of the Security Council highlighted the tangible benefits of the truce to the Yemeni people.
They recalled that casualties saw a 60 percent reduction, fuel coming through critical Hodeidah port quadrupled, and commercial flights from Sanaa resumed allowing 21,000 passengers to receive medical treatment and unite with families.
They urged both parties to "intensify engagement" with the Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, and "abstain from conditionality and to work towards implementing measures to tackle the economic and financial crises."
After the Houthi order that affected the established process for clearing fuel ships, the Security Council called on the Houthis to refrain from such actions in the future and cooperate with United Nations-led efforts to identify a durable solution to ensure fuel flow.
The members reiterated that there is no military solution for Yemen, condemning the recent military parade in Hodeidah and calling for an end to all visible military manifestations violating the agreement.
They expressed concern regarding recent instability in the south of Yemen and noted “concern” over the increase in civilian casualties caused by landmines.
They recalled parties' obligations under international humanitarian law and the need to respect human rights, including protecting civilians, especially children.
They expressed their concern about the lack of progress on opening the Taïz roads, in line with recent UN proposals, and reiterated their call upon the Houthis to act with flexibility in negotiations and immediately open the main Taïz roads.
The Security Council reiterated its support for Grundberg and expressed its determination that an expanded truce agreement will provide an opportunity to reach an inclusive, comprehensive political settlement based on the agreed references and under the auspices of the United Nations.
They recalled the importance of women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in the peace process, including a minimum of 30 percent participation by women.
The members highlighted Yemen's humanitarian crisis and the continued risk of famine, and they encouraged donors to fully fund the UN humanitarian response plan and support the Yemeni government's efforts to stabilize the economy.
They noted the insufficient funds for enabling the operation of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen beyond Sept 30 and recalled the critical role played by the Mechanism to facilitate commercial imports, including basic staples, into Yemen's ports.
The Security Council reiterated deep concern about the catastrophic ecological, maritime, and humanitarian risk posed by the Safer tanker.
Council members commended countries and the private sector for their pledges in support of a UN plan to transfer the oil onboard the tanker to a temporary vessel.
They called for the pledges to be dispersed, and for funding to be increased to prevent a catastrophe from occurring.
