EU reiterates support to UN efforts for political solution in Yemen

BRUSSELS, Feb 18 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Monday stressed that it will continue to actively engage with all the parties to the conflict in Yemen and to further support the UN-led political process, including through political dialogue with relevant regional actors, with the aim of ending the conflict.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels today in a statement reaffirmed that only a negotiated and inclusive political solution can end the conflict in Yemen.
"At this crucial juncture for the future of Yemen, the EU reiterates its full support for the UN and the work of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and of UNMH," it said and called on all parties in Yemen and in the region to respect UN Security Council resolutions 2451 and 2452 and to work constructively towards a lasting and inclusive political solution for the benefit of the people of Yemen.
It strongly condemned all actions that jeopardise the progress which has been achieved by the Yemeni parties at the UN-led talks in Stockholm.
"All sides must show utmost restraint, avoid actions that undermine the progress achieved and honour the agreements in letter and in spirit," it said.
The EU also welcomed the release of prisoners by both parties as an encouraging signal and siad it expects the parties to continue engaging constructively amongst each other and with the Special Envoy and the ICRC.
The EU called on all donors to make contributions at the next donor conference for Yemen which will be co-hosted by Sweden, Switzerland and the United Nations in Geneva on 26 February 2019 and which will respond to the largest UN Humanitarian Response Plan ever. (end) nk.mt