Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – UN website reported, Yemen’s warring sides have been unable to overcome their differences, dashing hopes for peace, the UN Special Envoy for the country said on Tuesday in his final briefing to the Security Council in the role.
“As you know, for the past year and a half, I have conducted rounds of shuttle diplomacy with the parties”, he recalled. “It is with deep regret, Mr. President, that I report today, as of now, that the parties have yet to overcome their differences.”
Mr. Griffiths described Yemen as “a tale of missed and then lost opportunities.”
He stressed that the ceasefire “would have undeniable humanitarian value” as it would open vital roads and create a sense of security for citizens.
“Let me also be clear, the continued closure of Sana’a airport as well as the extensive restrictions on fuel through the ports of Hudaydah, are not justifiable and must be addressed urgently”, he added.
He began his briefing by noting that Yemen remains the world’s worst man-made humanitarian crisis, and that ending war is a choice.
On average, at least five civilians killed or injured in Yemen each day, outgoing UN Humanitarian Coordinator Mark Lowcock told the Council.
May has been the bloodiest month so far this year, with more than 60 people killed across the country.
He stated there should not be any pre-conditions for a ceasefire. “War has solved nothing. Try something different. Give peace a chance.”
