The UN Security Council “welcomes” the two-month extension of the truce in Yemen

Aug. 4 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The members of the Security Council have “welcomed” the two-month extension of the truce agreed in April between the parties to the conflict in Yemen and have called on the parties to “urgently intensify” the peace negotiations.

“The members of the Security Council have expressed their hope that the full implementation of the truce and an expanded truce agreement will provide an opportunity to reach a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement, based on the agreed benchmarks and under the auspices of the United Nations” , he pointed out in a statement.

In this sense, they have pointed out the importance of “a minimum participation of 30 percent of women” during the process, which could translate into “a lasting ceasefire and greater benefits for the Yemenis, including through an extended truce”.

They have also praised the Yemeni government’s efforts to facilitate the flow of fuel and flights to and from Sanaa airport, although they have expressed concern about the “lack of progress” in opening roads in Taiz.

“The opening of these roads remains a humanitarian imperative to alleviate the suffering in Yemen’s third largest city, and they (the members) reiterated their call on the Houthis to show flexibility in the negotiations and immediately open the main roads. “, they have indicated.

Finally, they have condemned the attacks that threaten to collapse the truce, including, among others, the July 24 attack in Taiz. “They noted with concern the increase in civilian casualties caused by landmines. They recalled the parties’ obligations under Humanitarian Law, including the protection of civilians,” he concluded.

The United Nations special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said on Tuesday that the extension of the extension “will allow an agreement on a transparent and effective exchange mechanism to pay the salaries of civil servants and retirees on a regular basis, open roads in Taiz and other provinces, operate more travel destinations to and from Sana’a airport, and provide fuel and its regular flow through Hodeida ports.”

The war in Yemen pits the internationally recognized government, now represented by the Presidential Leadership Council and supported by a Saudi-led coalition, against the Iranian-backed Houthis. The Houthis control Sana’a and parts of the north and west of the country.