Yemen Calls for Clear UN Position on Rebels Stalling Implementation of Resolutions

Yemeni presidency expressed its disappointment at the failure of the UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, to yield positive results during his visit to Sana’a and the talks he held with the rebels, regarding a number of issues related to the preparations for the next round of consultations and the implementation of previous agreements. Yemeni President’s press secretary, Mokhtar al-Rahbi told Asharq al-Awsat that «the results of the visit of the UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh were not positive, but rather disappointing».

Rahbi stressed that, during the UN envoy’s visit to Sana’a, an announcement was supposed to be made regarding «the release of political detainees, as per the Houthi’s promise to the UN envoy in Geneva (2), but they did not. They also did not accept letting in humanitarian and medical aid necessary to Taiz City, besieged by them ».

Rahbi noted that the humanitarian conditions in the city of Taiz have become difficult. «We can say that the Taiz has come to famine and danger. 37 hospitals out of 40 have announced shutdown due to lack of medicine and oxygen, which puts international organizations to the real test and the community to the bitter international humanitarian reality which requires a firm stance against coup practices », he explained.

The President’s press secretary also highlighted the “the firm stance adopted by the government to support the UN’s political process through the implementation of Security Council resolution 2216.” He said that only rebels are standing against it, as they have been stalling for eight months in its implementation», stressing that « United Nations must declare a clear position toward the procrastination and evasiveness of coup militias ».

« The legitimate government has a firm stance, and the Yemeni President has announced his commitment to a political path that serves the implementation of the UN resolution. The international community must stand firm against the Houthi practices in favor of the political process, and against acts that violate Yemeni people’s rights», he confirmed.