Brussels, 11/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 10 July, the European Union firmly condemned the violence in and around the city of Amran in Yemen, and urged all parties to respect the existing ceasefire agreements, “notably the ceasefire agreement of 22 June”, and to allow “immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected areas”. “We deplore the casualties, in particular among civilians”, states the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.
Armed groups - including Ansarullah, Islahi, Salafi and the army - have been fighting in this North Yemen city for several days. The Houthi militia took Amran and its surroundings on 8 July - although a ceasefire had been made between this Shi'ite group and the army and the Sunni militia. Over 200 people were reported to have been killed when the city was taken, and the fighting has displaced 35,000 people. The EU stresses the importance “that all involved, including all army units, respect the authority of the state”.
“Acts aimed at fuelling violence in the north compromise Yemen's transition”, Ashton's spokesperson states. The spokesperson “recalls the need for all parties to hand over weapons and ammunition to national authorities in line with the recommendations of the National Dialogue Conference and to fully engage in the political process under the leadership of President Hadi”.
According to Ashton's spokesperson, UN Security Council Resolution 2140 “is a clear signal to any spoiler who threatens the peace, security and stability in Yemen”. This resolution from February 2014 speaks of the political transition process, economic reforms and concerns about violence, including the action of al-Qaeda, and it sets up sanctions (assets freezes and visa bans). (CG)