Minister for the Middle East calls for political solution to Yemen conflict
A political solution is urgently needed to end the conflict in Yemen, bring long-term stability to the country and address the humanitarian catastrophe, the Minister for the Middle East has said.
Chairing a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, Tobias Ellwood said that all parties must get behind the UN political process to achieve lasting peace.
Speaking after the meeting, attended by representatives from Yemen, Bahrain, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, the US, the EU, GCC Secretariat, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and OCHA, Mr Ellwood said:
Yemen is at risk of suffering a prolonged conflict and descending into famine.
A political solution is the best way to achieve peace and stability. The international community fully supports UN efforts to bring all parties involved in this conflict together to negotiate a lasting ceasefire. All parties in the conflict must engage constructively and in good faith, and refrain from any action that would undermine attempts for a resolution through dialogue.
Discussions at the meeting focused on the dire humanitarian situation, with the UK continuing to call for all sides to facilitate access for humanitarian aid and commercial goods, including through all of Yemen’s ports, and the need to protect civilians from fighting. To date, the UK has committed £75 million for life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable in Yemen. Attendees also discussed the importance of establishing a secure environment as part of Yemen’s stabilisation and recovery.
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