The United Nations Security Council called for "full implementation" of UNSC resolutions concerning Yemen, particularly resolution 2216, which calls on the Iranian-backed Houthi group to exercise violence, withdraw troops from all cities, including Sanaa, and hand over its heavy arms.
In a joint press conference with Saudi representative to the UN Abdullah bin Yahya al-Mualami and UAE ambassador to the United Nations Lana Nusseibeh in New York, Yemeni Foreign Minister Khalid al-Yamani revealed that there is a four-point plan to increase humanitarian aid to Yemenis in all regions without exception.
Nusseibeh reaffirmed the military offensive by the UAE and Saudi-led coalition against Hodeida “is a deliberate, carefully prepared and executed operation.”
Nusseibeh also told a group of UN reporters in New York on Thursday that coalition forces, under the direction of the Yemeni government, will move in "a calibrated, gradual" way.
More so, Mualami confirmed that coalition forces are engaging in major humanitarian operations and avoid harming civilians or public installations.
At the request of Britain, the Security Council held an emergency closed session to consider the latest developments in Yemen as the Yemeni legitimate forces, supported by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, approach the liberation of Hodeida.
The members of the Council heard two briefings: the first from the international envoy via video conference, and the second by United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Ursula Mueller.
Asharq Al-Awsat learned from a diplomat who partook in the meeting that consultations focused on the new Hodeidah initiative presented by the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths.
Britain's UN Ambassador Karen Pierce, who called for the meeting, told reporters before it started that Griffiths has been trying to negotiate the withdrawal of Houthis, who control Hodeida.
Griffiths is expected to brief the council Monday, including on his proposals to restart negotiations to restore peace to Yemen.
Council members reaffirmed "their full support" for Griffiths' efforts.
