Only UN-sponsored "political response" can end Yemen conflict - French FM

PARIS, April 18 (KUNA) -- A "political response" under the auspices of the United Nations is the key to finding a solution to the Yemeni conflict that is having "absolutely dramatic" effects on the civilian population, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Wednesday.
Speaking in Parliament, Le Drian said "the conflict is in an impasse" after three and a half years and the humanitarian crisis is worsening.
He said France was in regular contact with the Saudi-led coalition and had agreed on the hosting of a humanitarian conference on Yemen in the coming months, most likely before the summer.
"Progress has been made as the coalition has decided to mobilize USD 1.5 billion to help with humanitarian aid," Le Drian remarked, adding that President Emmanuel Macron had discussed the humanitarian crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who visited Paris last week.
But he also said that the rules applied not only to the coalition regarding the humanitarian crisis and the protection of civilians, but also to Houthi rebels "and therefore Iran which helps the Houthis with arms deliveries." Le Drian said he had delivered this message to Iran when he visited Tehran in early March.
The French Minister called on all sides to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and lift obstacles to these deliveries.
Le Drian noted that the forthcoming international conference "aims to mobilize all the actors" connected with the humanitarian efforts.
"But the real response is political. It is a political response under the mandate and responsibility of the United Nations," Le Drian told the Parliament. (end) jk.mb