The United Nations will start inspecting shipments to rebel-held ports in Yemen in a bid to boost commercial imports and enforce an arms embargo, the world body said.

It began operations on Monday, UN 
spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the European Union, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Britain and the United States had provided financing.

"It should provide fast and impartial clearance services for shipping companies transporting commercial imports and bilateral assistance to Yemeni ports outside of the authority of the Government of Yemen," Dujarric said.

It is aimed at "facilitating the unimpeded flow of commercial goods and services," while ensuring compliance with the arms embargo created by the UN Security Council, he added.

The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) should provide fast and impartial clearance services for shipping companies transporting commercial imports and bilateral assistance to Yemeni ports outside of the authority of the Yemeni Government, according to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. 

Source : MENA