UNSC welcomes Saudi peace Initiative for Yemen‏

The UN Security Council has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s peace initiative launched last month to end the Yemeni conflict and reach a political solution to the crisis.

In a press statement released on Friday, the council said the Saudi initiative is in line with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths’ peace proposal, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative provides for a nationwide ceasefire, reopening of Sanaa International Airport and allowing fuel and food imports through the port of Hodeidah.

The statement added the council called on all Yemeni parties to constructively engage with the UN Special Envoy and negotiate without preconditions, for an immediate ceasefire throughout the country and a comprehensive political

settlement, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Unity of Yemen

The council also urged the participation of Yemeni women and the country’s youth in talks in accordance with relevant resolutions, underlying its members’ commitment to the sovereignty and territorial unity of Yemen.

It also called on Yemeni parties to continue implementing the Riyadh Agreement.

The Security Council members denounced the recent cross-border attacks by the Iran-backed Al Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to the Al Houthis’ escalation against Yemeni city of Marib.

The council also held the Al Houthi militia accountable for the danger posed by the Safer oil tanker, calling on Al Houthis to ensure an immediate and unconditional access of the UN experts to inspect and repair the long-abandoned fuel tanker off the coast of Yemen.