UN-facilitated Yemen consultations set for 14 June; Ban urges parties to engage in good faith

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the readiness of President Abd Rabou Mansour Hadi of Yemen to send a delegation to participate in United Nations-facilitated Yemeni-Yemeni consultations in Geneva, set to start on 14 June.

According to a statement issued by a UN spokesperson, the Yemeni President's decision was communicated to Mr. Ban's Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who is in Riyadh.

The UN chief had earlier called for a postponement in the consultations, which were originally set for 28 May, and has repeatedly urged all parties in Yemen to return to the negotiating table. The consultations aim to bring together a broad range of actors including the Yemeni Government and other stakeholders in an effort to stem the ongoing violence afflicting the country.

Today's statement notes that the Secretary-General is equally pleased that delegations of Yemeni parties from the capital, Sana'a, have communicated their commitment to attend the consultations to the UN Special Envoy.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent call on all Yemeni parties to engage in these consultations in good faith and without pre-conditions in the interest of all Yemeni people,” continued the statement, adding that the Mr. Ban hopes that the meeting in Geneva will restart a peaceful, orderly, inclusive and Yemeni-led transition process based on relevant Security Council resolutions.

For the consultations to succeed, the Secretary-General also appealed to all countries concerned to create a conducive political environment.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a renewed humanitarian pause in order to allow humanitarian assistance to reach all Yemenis in need. This could also help create an atmosphere that is more conducive for peaceful dialogue,” said the statement.

“Such assistance is of paramount and pressing importance because the suffering of the Yemeni population, as a result of the continued conflict, is increasing dramatically,” it continued, adding that Mr. Ban appeals to the international community, and to the countries of the region in particular, to do everything in their power to reduce the civilian suffering in Yemen and to contribute to UN efforts in this regard.

Efforts to get the consultations back on track come as humanitarian needs are becoming increasingly intense, and urgent measures by the international community, as well as regional States, are required to alleviate the worst consequences of the fighting.

Last week saw attacks on dozens of health facilities by fighting, shelling, and airstrikes in Yemen since the escalation of the conflict in March. In addition, 10 health care workers have been killed or injured while carrying out their duties since that time. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to appeal for the protection of health facilities, staff and patients.

The new Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O'Brien, warned in a briefing to the UN Security Council a few days ago that a full resumption of commercial imports of vital commodities, including food, fuel and medicines, is required to avoid a looming humanitarian catastrophe.