Security Council Voices Grave Concern Over Worsening Situation in Yemen
New York, Aug 9 2011 - The Security Council today expressed grave concern over what it said was a serious deterioration
of the economic and humanitarian situation in Yemen amid worsening security, including the threat from Al Qaida in the
Arabian Peninsula.
In a press statement, the Council urged all parties in Yemen to ensure that those in need of humanitarian assistance can be reached, voicing
concern over the increasing interruption of the flow of basic supplies. The United Nations body also urged all parties
to refrain from targeting vital infrastructure.
“The members of the Security Council urged all sides in Yemen to reject violence and show maximum restraint,” said the
statement, read to reporters by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri of India, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency
this month. “They called upon all the parties to respect their obligations under applicable international law.”
The Council also called on all parties to urgently seek a solution to the crisis in an inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led
process of political transition that meets the needs and aspirations of the Yemeni people for change. It took note of
the inter-Yemeni efforts in that regard, saying the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) initiative continues to be
important.
Members of the Security Council welcomed the efforts of the Good Offices of the Secretary-General through his Special
Adviser, Jamal Benomar, and those of the GCC. The statement was issued following a briefing to the Council by Mr.
Benomar.
Civil unrest in Yemen has escalated this year, as it has across much of North Africa and the Middle East, with often
bloody mass protests by civilians calling for political reform and greater democracy.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS