Thank you Mr President and thank you Hans, Ramesh for your briefings. They are both informative and very sobering.
The UK is also deeply concerned by the further escalation in the conflict in Yemen over the last month. It pushes the country deeper into humanitarian crisis, with increased civilian casualties and displacement. We are particularly worried by the impact of fighting on front lines in populated areas, such as Hodeidah City, Taiz City and Marib. We also, again, condemn the continued Houthi attacks across Yemen’s border into Saudi Arabia, including the recent ballistic missile attack near Riyadh. This is utterly unacceptable and diminishes the opportunity for real progress towards a political settlement.
As the military picture worsens, the humanitarian imperatives increase. Facilitating humanitarian access across the country to those in need is paramount. The UK calls on the Government of Yemen to facilitate access of NGO partners to the country to help deliver much-needed life-saving assistance.
We are encouraged by the new appointment of Ahmed bin Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Maabqi as the Central Bank of Yemen Governor. But the Government of Yemen must commit to carrying out necessary economic reforms now, as Ramesh emphasised. The international community and International Financial Institutions must also continue to assist the Government of Yemen in the implementation of reform and facilitation of immediate external financial assistance.
We should also not lose sight of the humanitarian urgency in diffusing the SAFER tanker threat. The ship continues to deteriorate off the coast of Yemen, risking an oil spill that would devastate the livelihoods of nearly four million people.
Finally, may I express our appreciation Hans of your continued efforts to chart a way forward for peace in Yemen. I know that the international community looks forward to receiving your roadmap in due course and we are committed to helping you and mobilising behind the UN-led approach. The UK calls on all parties to work with the UN to reach sustainable peace in Yemen.
