Yemen: Call for De-escalation After Airspace Violations & Airstrikes - Briefing | United Nations

Following reports of Iranian violations of Yemeni airspace and Saudi airstrikes at Sana’a International Airport to prevent Iranian planes from landing, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari (13 Jul) called for de-escalation in order to “advance safe, predictable and sustainable civilian air access, among other priorities.” Addressing an emergency meeting of the Security Council requested by the Yemeni government, Khiari said, “Yemen and the wider region cannot afford another cycle of escalation” and called on all actors “to constructively engage in negotiations under United Nations auspices.” He noted that the parties had negotiated an agreement in May to release over 1,600 conflict related detainees, “the largest such release agreed since the start of the conflict in Yemen” which “demonstrates that mutually acceptable agreements remain achievable even amid complex and challenging circumstances.” Unilateral measures, Khiari said, “will not bring Yemen closer to peace. On the contrary, they risk entrenching divisions, accelerating fragmentation and heightening the danger of renewed escalation and military confrontation.” He urged all parties “to reduce tensions and address their differences through dialogue,” as well as to “refrain from measures that could undermine prospects for peace.” Khiari said, “the United Nations remain committed to supporting the Yemenis in restarting a political process to end the conflict in Yemen, as noted by the Special Envoy and many members of this Council in previous meetings, regional de-escalation can create a more conducive environment for reviving the Yemeni political process.”


For more information or to watch video on YouTube, click here!