Representatives from Germany, France, Sweden, the UK, Kuwait, the United States, China and Russia and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy met, on Thursday 17 September, to discuss the “urgent need for military de-escalation and political progress in Yemen”.
In a joint statement, the “Group” therefore stresses the need for the parties, through the political process, to rapidly conclude a comprehensive transitional agreement to end the conflict, highlighting the “urgent need for de-escalation throughout Yemen and a nationwide ceasefire”.
It calls on the Yemeni Government and the Houthis to engage with the UN Special Envoy constructively and continuously, without preconditions, in order to swiftly reach agreement on the peace proposals. The Group also called on Yemen's neighbours to use their influence to support UN efforts.
The parties must also fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, the Group added, calling on the parties to engage constructively in UN proposals to ensure an adequate and unimpeded flow of fuel, humanitarian goods and food to Yemen.
It also reiterates the importance of full compliance with the arms embargo and the need to intensify humanitarian assistance.
See the statement: https://bit.ly/3iIYJus (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)