Joint Statement by Ambassadors to Yemen from the Security Council Permanent Member States
Statement following the conclusion of UN Yemen peace talks in Sweden.
The Ambassadors to Yemen from the five permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States) followed closely the consultations in Stockholm led by the Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, and engaged throughout the process with representatives of the Government of Yemen and Ansarallah. Bringing together the warring parties for the first time in more than two years, these consultations were a crucial first step towards ending the conflict in Yemen, tackling the humanitarian emergency and addressing the sharp deterioration in the national economy.
We commend both parties for setting aside their differences, engaging in good faith and cooperating with the Special Envoy to achieve progress in a number of important areas which will have an immediate and significant positive impact upon the lives of the people of Yemen, and serve to build trust between the parties for an enduring comprehensive political settlement.
Progress includes agreement on plans for de-escalation in Hodeidah and Taiz, the release and exchange of prisoners and engagement of both sides in discussions on a framework to serve as a roadmap for future consultation and negotiation. We note also the positive steps taken by the parties towards finding solutions to stabilise the Yemeni economy and reopen Sana’a airport. We applaud the determination and perseverance of the Special Envoy in successfully steering talks and helping the two delegations to find common ground.
We thank the Government of Sweden for hosting the consultations and the Governments of Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for invaluable support and facilitation. In an admirable demonstration of international cooperation, representatives from over 20 countries worked in proximity with the Special Envoy during these consultations.
Going forward, courage and resolve will be required from the Government of Yemen and Ansarallah to implement the agreements announced today for the benefit of the people of Yemen. As ambassadors of China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States to Yemen, we will keenly follow developments and maintain our multilateral diplomacy to bolster the efforts of the UN Special Envoy.