UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has welcomed the renewal of a truce in Yemen for another two months, up to October 2.
The Yemen truce remains the most significant opportunity for the protection and peace of civilians that Yemen has seen in years, the members said in a joint statement on Thursday.
It has given the talks on the economic and security tracks a solid foundation on which to build, as well as the opportunity to start comprehensive and inclusive conversations on the political track.
The Council members also urged the warring parties to seize this opportunity to swiftly step up negotiations in order to reach an all-inclusive understanding on the expanded truce proposal put forth by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, which could result in a lasting cessation of hostilities and better conditions for Yemenis.
They expressed the hope that the complete implementation of the cease-fire and an enlarged cease-fire agreement would present a chance to pursue an inclusive, all-inclusive political settlement. The members applauded the Yemeni government's efforts to ease the entry of fuel and aircraft into and out of Sanaa Airport.
They reiterated their call for the Houthis to act flexibly in negotiations and swiftly open the main roads, but they also expressed their concern about the lack of progress on the opening of roads in Taiz.
The Council members highlighted that the full implementation and enlarged truce plan would improve these benefits and commended the truce's ongoing reduction in violence and civilian casualties as well as other concrete advantages for the Yemeni people. They urged all parties to compromise, put the interests of the Yemeni people first, and opt for peace over violence.
The UNSC denounced all attacks that posed a danger to the cease-fire and expressed worry over the rise in landmine-related civilian fatalities.
The members reiterated their support for the UN special envoy and his ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the truce, as well as for an inclusive, comprehensive political settlement. They commended regional partners for their efforts to support the truce and stressed the need for their continued support.
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