"The Houthis must take responsibility for their actions and stop using violence and coercion as political tools"
Statement by Ambassador Lyall Grant of the UK Mission to the UN, to the Security Council Meeting on Yemen
Thank you Mr President,
We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2201
It was clear at the open briefing earlier this week that the world was waiting for a powerful message from the UN Security Council in response to recent developments in Yemen.
Today we have made clear that those who use violence and intimidation to try to dictate Yemen’s future are undermining the security of all Yemeni citizens and eroding the political progress made since 2011.
The Houthis must take responsibility for their actions and stop using violence and coercion as political tools. They must ensure the immediate and safe release of President Hadi, Prime Minister Bahah and members of the Cabinet from house arrest.
Mr President,
There can be no doubt that the principles underlying the GCC initiative, the National Dialogue and last September’s Peace and National Partnership Agreement, are the only legitimate road map for Yemen’s transition.
The Council has sent a clear message today that all parties in Yemen, and especially the Houthis, need to pull back from the brink and implement these commitments, on a swift and inclusive basis.
Mr President,
I would like to express my appreciation for the continued work of the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Jamal Benomar and call on the Houthis, and on all parties, to engage in good faith in UN-brokered negotiations.
The Council has once again spoken in one voice and delivered a strong and unified message. I would like to thank Jordan and all delegations for their support and flexibility in agreeing this important resolution.
I am particularly grateful for the close and productive consultations my delegation that Jordan and the United Kingdom have enjoyed with the GCC. Their leadership on this issue so close to their borders is critically important.
I Thank you.