Brussels, 10/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 9 June, the European Union welcomed the possible resumption of UN-led negotiations on Yemen in Geneva on 14 June, after the UN's announcement of the agreement of the main Yemeni parties to attend inclusive consultations.
“This positive step has the potential to put a broad-based political settlement back at the centre of international efforts to reach a sustainable solution to the current crisis in Yemen following the conference held in Riyadh on 17-19 May”, said the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. “If all the parties engage without preconditions and in good faith, the Geneva talks can be a milestone on the path towards a political solution”, the spokesperson added, saying that the talks will also be “key” for the swift resumption of a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance according to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence.
The EU reiterated its support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed to resume inclusive political negotiations, in accordance with the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the outcomes of the national dialogue conference, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
According to the UN, the talks - which will be opened by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on 14 June - are expected to last for three days. The government of Yemen's President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and the Houthis have confirmed that they will attend.
The conflict in Yemen has claimed over 2,300 lives since 26 March. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)