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UNSC concerned over situation in Yemen

British Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft
British Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft
NEW YORK, March 29 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council expressed profound concern over the increasingly grave situation in Yemen where civilians pay the highest price of the ongoing violence.
Speaking to the press after a Council meeting behind closed doors, the British Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft said that the Council is fully supportive of the Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad's tireless efforts to find an end to the conflict.
The Council called upon all parties to engage meaningfully with his proposals for peace and to make progress towards ceasefire and an enduring political settlement.
Ryrcoft said addressing the humanitarian crisis will continue to be challenging while the conflict continues. "It is essential therefor to prioritize progress towards a sustainable political solution this represents the only way bring longterm stability to Yemen," he added.
The Council, led by Britain this month, called for regional efforts to be harmonized, as many parts of Yemen are already close to famine, which presents a huge challenge for the international community to confront.
The Council members called on all parties to the conflict to do more to facilitate the humanitarian and commercial imports through all ports in Yemen including Hodaida.
The Council members were briefed by Ould Sheikh Ahmad, as well as the Japanese Ambassador Koro Bessho - in his capacity as Chair of the Yemen 2140 Sanctions Committee, on the latest developments in the Arab country.
The British Ambassador told the press Ould Cheikh Ahmed joined the closed meeting and did not display his usual optimism. (end) mao.gb