Thank you, Mr President. And let me thank Special Envoy Grundberg and ASG Msuya for their powerful briefings, and for the tireless work they and their teams are making on behalf of the Yemeni people.
After six months of relative peace, it is deeply disappointing that the truce in Yemen has not been extended.
The Houthi introduction of new maximalist demands in the final days of negotiations hindered the ability of the Special Envoy to broker agreement.
As we’ve heard today, this seriously jeopardises the tangible benefits that the truce has brought to the Yemeni people. In the past six months Yemenis have been able to live more safely and travel more freely than at any time since the war began, four times more oil has flowed into Hudaydah than the whole of last year, and tens of thousands of Yemenis have been able to fly out of Sana’a to visit loved ones and receive vital medical treatment. The protection of these measures must be a priority.
The United Kingdom calls on the parties to continue implementing these measures, and to return to the negotiating table to expand these benefits, as outlined in the UN’s proposal. This includes the payment of nurses, teachers and other civil servants their hard-earned salaries for the first time in years; the opening of roads around the country, including in Taiz; more commercial flights to more destinations; and further easing the flow of fuel into Hudaydah.
There is even more to lose. Refusal to extend the truce threatens to dismantle the foundation built for a negotiated peace settlement. A resolution to this terrible war depends on it.
But the door for an extended truce remains open. It is clear from Special Envoy Grundberg’s briefing that the UN is dedicated to achieving this outcome. The UK reiterates its full support to these efforts.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome ASG Msuya’s trip to the region. It is imperative that the international community learns lessons from the recent inter-agency humanitarian evaluation not just in Yemen, but globally. We praise the continued work of humanitarians to deliver lifesaving support. But only an end to the conflict will the deliver the lasting relief the Yemeni people need
At this fragile moment, it is encouraging that there has not yet been a return to war. We urge all parties to refrain from provocations. The costs of an end to the truce would be devastating.
Now is the time for the parties to show leadership, to act on behalf of the Yemeni people, and to continue on this path towards lasting peace.
Thank you.
Follow this news feed: HM Government