[13/09/2024 07:10]

New York - Saba Ne
The Government of Yemen has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all regional and international efforts to end the conflict, while simultaneously urging the Security Council and the international community to take responsibility by applying real pressure on the terrorist Houthi militias, rather than relying solely on statements and appeals.

The government called for an emphasis on the language of peace and dialogue, and for stopping the Houthis from dragging Yemen and its people into proxy wars that serve Iran's destructive projects in the region.

This statement was delivered by Yemen's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah al-Sa'adi during an open session for the Security Council held Thursday in New York City.

The statement noted that a full year has passed, and these Iran-backed militias continue to undermine all efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving peace, disregarding the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people.

Despite the regional and international momentum to revive the political process, the statement highlighted the efforts of Saudi Arabia to end the conflict and address the Yemen crisis, as well as the initiatives and concessions made by the Yemeni government in support of this peaceful path.

"Peace has remained stagnant due to the obstinacy of the Houthi militias and their ongoing escalation, with no genuine and reliable partner for achieving peace," said al-Sa'adi.

He pointed out that the Houthi militias continue to beat the drums of war and evade the requirements of peace by escalating military actions in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, targeting international shipping, threatening regional and international security, and intensifying military activities in several governorates.

He condemned the ongoing crimes and violations against civilians, including killings, displacement, and the destruction of homes in various areas under their control, in an attempt to break the will of the Yemeni people and impose their coup project and extremist ideologies, as well as their systematic economic war against the Yemeni government and people, while insisting on prolonging the conflict.

"Unfortunately, each time a door to peace is opened, the Houthi militias close it. Nevertheless, we will not surrender and will continue to hold onto the option of peace, as our people, who have suffered for so long, deserve to enjoy security, stability, development, and the comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace that aligns with the agreed-upon political solution references: the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant Security Council resolutions, led by Resolution 2216," he added.

The statement also addressed the challenges faced by the government, particularly the economic and exceptional difficulties arising from the halt in oil exports for over two years, depriving the state of 70% of total public resources due to the Houthi militias targeting oil export ports.

It noted that despite these challenges, the government continues to take a series of measures aimed at restoring confidence in state institutions and enhancing their presence.

It is moving forward with implementing economic, financial, and administrative reform programs and developing strategic plans to strengthen the principles of transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption, which are central to the current phase, aiming to mitigate the economic, social, and humanitarian impacts and consequences.

Yemen's statements in the Security Council opened session on Thursday expressed full confidence in the support of Yemen's development partners from donor countries and international organizations for the government’s plans, programs, and reforms.

It highlighted the need for economic, developmental, and humanitarian support for Yemen under these exceptional circumstances to overcome current challenges.

In this regard, it commended the support provided by our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as their interventions in the developmental and humanitarian fields to mitigate the catastrophic humanitarian and economic impacts, enabling the government to fulfill its responsibilities and commitments.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to building partnerships with the regional and international community to finance the development and reconstruction process.

The statement addressed the Houthi militias' targeting of Safer Oil Facility in Marib with three explosive drones in an attempt to destroy this vital civilian installation for oil and gas production.

It described this act as a serious escalation that falls within the systematic economic war waged by these militias against the Yemeni government and people, continuing their destructive approach towards Yemen's infrastructure and resources, as well as their policy of impoverishment and starvation against Yemenis.

It warned of the imminent environmental disaster resulting from the Houthis' continued obstruction of international efforts to rescue the Greek oil tanker (Sonia), which carries one million barrels of crude oil and was targeted by these militias in the Red Sea on August 21. This tanker now represents a ticking time bomb that threatens a wide-scale environmental catastrophe if it explodes, affecting Yemen and neighboring countries.

The statement confirmed that the Houthis' repeated targeting of oil and chemical product tankers reflects their disregard for the catastrophic consequences of any oil spill in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden on the economic, agricultural, and fishing sectors, as well as the coastal strip of Yemen and neighboring countries, and the marine environment and biodiversity in the region.

It considered this serious escalation a confirmation of the nature of these militias as a group that does not believe in peace and is indifferent to the economic and humanitarian conditions in Yemen.

It also highlighted the failure of the international response to the severe threats posed by the Houthi militias to maritime security, navigation safety, and the free flow of global trade, calling for a reconsideration of how to engage with the behavior of these militias and to confront their destructive and terrorist activities.

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