Brussels, 07/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - At the end of her meeting with Yemen's Foreign Minister Malek Al Mekhlafi on Monday 7 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini underlined “the urgency of an inclusive political solution to end the current conflict” in Yemen.
In her press release, Mogherini highlighted the “increasing state fragmentation, human suffering, the rise of terrorism and potential regional spillover”. During their meeting, Mogherini and Al Mekhlafi discussed ways of reaching a sustainable ceasefire. “Confidence building measures, including the release of political prisoners, [and] the end of cross-border attacks will play an important part in this endeavour”, Mogherini stated. She spoke of the “full support” of the European Union to the ongoing efforts of UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.
“In the face of the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe [… there is a] need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and of humanitarian aid workers, and to facilitate unhindered access for assistance throughout the country”, Mogherini said. Reaffirming the EU's resolve to play its role also in humanitarian and development efforts, she highlighted “the need for a concerted and coordinated approach of the international community and the government of Yemen to the country's reconstruction”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)