UN envoy to Yemen: "The solution to the Yemeni situation is not external"

During the meeting, the Special Envoy told the Council that there is a clear path out of the violence plaguing Yemen. "The proposals I presented are balanced and reflect concerns and needs of both sides," he said.

The UN official to Yemen called on the parties to display courage and statesmanship to engage with him and his Office on the basis of his proposals that are based mainly on the outcomes of Kuwait, and are intended to ease the path towards a comprehensive peace agreement. The proposal also consistent to the GCC Initiative as well as the UNSC resolution 2216 which provides a path to peaceful transition based on National Dialogue Outcomes.

A viable proposal for peace is on the table, he said, and within reach of both parties, however, with political courage and will the war can be ended.

He told the Council that he was in Sanaa and saw the suffering of Yemeni women and men, therefore, he hoped that the Yemeni leaders will see the impact that this tragedy has had on the country.

"The solution to the Yemeni situation is not external," he added. Ould Cheikh Ahmad said the UN and the international community can assist and mediate but key decisions are taken by the Yemenis.

He welcomed the Government of Yemen's commitment to sending representatives to the planning meeting, and urged the other party to do the same.