The United Nations Security Council welcomed the commencement of the nationwide cessation of hostilities in Yemen on 10 April as well as the launch of the intra-Yemeni peace talks in Kuwait, reiterating a call to all parties to engage in the peace talks in a "flexible and constructive manner without preconditions, and in good faith".

    The UN Security Council called on all parties involved in the intra-Yemeni peace talks to "develop a road map for the implementation of interim security measures, especially at the local level, withdrawals, handover of heavy weapons, restoration of state institutions, and the resumption of political dialogue in line with relevant Security Council decisions, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, and the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference".

    In line with its resolution 2216 (2015) and the outcomes of the National Dialogue conference, the Council said the parties should commit to ensure that security mechanisms, including the formation of security committees, facilitate and oversee the negotiated withdrawal of militias and armed groups and provide for the orderly handover of heavy and medium weapons to state control.

    The Council also expressed "strong concern" about intensified terrorist attacks, including by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS in Iraq, and encouraged all Yemeni parties to "avoid any security vacuums that can be exploited by terrorists or other violent groups." "The Security Council stresses that a political solution to the crisis is essential to address, in a durable and comprehensive manner, the threat of terrorism in Yemen," the statement said.

    In addition, the Council stressed the importance of the restoration of Government control over all state institutions, including respect for the legally established lines of authority in state institutions; removal of any hindrance or obstructions to proper functioning of state institutions; and changes to ensure inclusivity in political institutions.

    Moreover, the Council requested that the Secretary-General present to it a plan, within 30 days, outlining how the Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen could support the next phase of its work with the parties.

Source: QNA