UN expresses ‘grave concern’ that Yemen ceasefire agreements not yet implemented, urges immediate action
- A ceasefire agreement between Yemen’s government and Houthi Shiite rebels was agreed upon in December, but violence continues in war-ravaged country
The UN Security Council expressed “grave concern” Wednesday that agreements reached four months ago by the warring parties in Yemen have not been carried out and called for their implementation “without delay”.
The council reiterated its endorsement of the December 13 ceasefire agreement between Yemen’s government and Houthi Shiite rebels that called for the “phased but rapid mutual withdrawals” of fighters from the key port of Hodeida, two smaller ports in the province, and Hodeida city.
In their statement, council members “noted with concern continued violence that risks undermining the ceasefire in Hodeida.”
Hodeida is the main international entry point for 70 per cent of imports and humanitarian aid to Yemen, where nearly four years of war have spawned the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
While the two sides agreed to the redeployment of forces, they have been divided over who will run the port of Hodeida once they pull out. The UN-brokered deal reached in Stockholm was vague on that point, saying only that a “local force” would take over without specifying who would lead it.
On a positive note, council members welcomed Monday’s announcement by the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, that the government and Houthis had reached agreement on the military plan for the initial redeployment of forces from Hodeida. They urged the rival parties to engage with Griffiths and the head of the UN operation monitoring the withdrawals “to swiftly agree on local security force arrangements” and on the second phase of the redeployment.