Brussels, 26/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 26 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said she was “convinced” that “military action is not a solution” in the crisis in Yemen, where Saudi forces have started air strikes to counter the Houthi rebel forces that are supported by Iran.
Mogherini stated that the latest events in Yemen had dramatically worsened the already fragile situation in the country and risked having “serious regional consequences”. “At this critical juncture all regional actors should act responsibly and constructively, to create as a matter of urgency the conditions for a return to negotiations”, she added. She also said that the EU supports the efforts undertaken to this effect, in particular those of the UN and of regional actors. In Mogherini's view, “only a broad political consensus through negotiations can provide a sustainable solution, restore peace, and preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen”. “Otherwise, the ability of extremist and terrorist groups to take advantage of the situation is likely to increase dramatically”, she warned.
Mogherini said she considered that the Yemeni civilian population, “already affected by dire living conditions, are the first victims of the current military escalation”. On 25 March, the Houthis and military units loyal to Yemen's former-President Saleh advanced towards Aden. President Hadi's compound was targeted by air strikes. These events then triggered the Saudi airstrikes. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)