UNSC calls for negotiated settlement of Yemen crisis

UNITED NATIONS: Security Council has called on parties to the Yemen conflict to negotiate a nationwide ceasefire and a political settlement.

In a statement on Friday, the members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement of Saudi Arabia on March 22, supported by the Yemen government, to end the conflict in the war-torn country and reach a comprehensive political solution, reports Xinhua news agency.

They welcomed Oman's mediation efforts between the key stakeholders and encouraged continued engagement in the region.

The Council members called on all parties to engage constructively with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and negotiate, without preconditions, an immediate nationwide ceasefire and a Yemen-owned, inclusive, political settlement.

They condemned the ongoing escalation in the oil-rich province of Marib, which exacerbates Yemen's humanitarian crisis, places over 1 million internally displaced persons at grave risk, and threatens efforts to secure a political settlement. The members expressed concern that the military escalation in Marib could be exploited by terrorist groups like Al Qaeda to expand their presence in Yemen.

They called on the Houthis to end their escalation in Marib and condemned the cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia. The Council members also expressed concern about military developments elsewhere in Yemen and stressed the need for de-escalation by all parties. (IANS)