Brussels, 04/01/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 4 January, the European Union reiterated the importance of implementing a lasting ceasefire in Yemen, having noted the announcement on 2 January of the end of the truce declared on 15 December (see EUROPE 11454) by the coalition, which has never really been respected.
“Widespread violations of the recent ceasefire by all sides are unacceptable. We call on all parties to the conflict, including militias to swiftly take steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, starting by refraining from provocations”, a spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini told EUROPE. “The effective implementation of a durable ceasefire is paramount to restore trust and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people”, Mogherini's spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson added that the EU had taken note that the coalition had expressed “its eagerness on creating suitable circumstances to find a peaceful solution in Yemen”. In addition to the ceasefire, other confidence-building measures “such as a mechanism for a monitored withdrawal of forces, the facilitation of humanitarian and commercial access, and the release of political prisoners” should be implemented, Mogherini's spokesperson stated.
Saying that the humanitarian situation remained “of great concern”, the spokesperson also called for access to be restored for emergency help, humanitarian and commercial goods; for the protection of civilians; and for the direct targeting of civilian infrastructure to be avoided. “Accountability is a key element to durably restore Yemen's stability and all alleged violations of international law should be transparently investigated by the parties”, the spokesperson added.
The EU reiterated its full support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and looked forward to the organisation of the next round of talks scheduled for 14 January. “All parties should engage in a constructive manner and in good faith”, Mogherini's spokesperson stated. The spokesperson renewed the EU's call to all regional actors to engage constructively with Yemeni parties in order to enable a de-escalation of the crisis and to avoid further regional instability. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)