The spokesperson of the European External Action Service said on Tuesday evening, 27 November, that it was "high time to push for an end to the war” in Yemen, which has been going on for more than three years, killed 10,000 people and caused the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
After a mission to Yemen where he met with rebel leaders, United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths began consultations on Monday, 26 November, in Riyadh, to organise peace talks, meeting with Yemeni leaders in exile in Saudi Arabia. Negotiations could resume in Sweden in the coming weeks.
"Since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, the European Union has maintained that the only solution would come from a political settlement [...] It is high time to push for an end to the war”, the spokesperson said in a statement. “It is therefore critical that all sides urgently commit to a de-escalation to create space for negotiations”, they added.
According to the spokesperson, recent calls for a ceasefire and increased diplomatic activity, as well as the willingness of the parties to exercise restraint, may help to open up a new space for discussion.
On Monday 19 November, Foreign Ministers underlined the EU's willingness to contribute to a political solution in the country (see EUROPE 12140).
The EEAS spokesperson therefore recalled the EU's “unwavering support” to Mr Griffiths with a view to restarting the negotiations and assured that she would continue to work actively to provide Mr Griffiths and his office with the necessary support, if necessary. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)