Brussels, 16/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 16 November, European foreign ministers called on the parties in Yemen to engage “in a flexible and constructive manner, without preconditions and in good faith, in the preparation and conduct of UN-facilitated negotiations”. On 23 October, the United Nations special envoy had affirmed that talks could resume rapidly (see EUROPE 11419).
In conclusions adopted, the ministers stated that the parties should settle their differences through dialogue, reject violence and refrain from provocation and unilateral actions that would prevent the resumption of political transition. “In parallel, the implementation of practical confidence-building measures will be essential to facilitate a return to the political track such as immediate steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, a mechanism for a monitored withdrawal of forces, facilitation of humanitarian and commercial access, and the release of political prisoners”, the ministers say. They pointed out that a solution to the crisis in Yemen must be a political one and that “it is increasingly urgent” to stop the fighting “through a durable ceasefire” and to set an inclusive political process in place.
Ministers also urged the government of Yemen to shoulder its responsibilities in the fight against extremists and terrorists, whether against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or Da'esh in Yemen. They went on to add that it was “particularly important” that all parties to the conflict should take resolute action against such groups.
Given that 21 million Yemenites, i.e. 80% of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid, the ministers called on all parties to take the necessary measures to ensure respect for international humanitarian rights and human rights, and to facilitate systematic access to humanitarian and commercial goods. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)