UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths told the Security Council today “the parties to the conflict will either move Yemen towards de-escalation and the resumption of the political process, or, I fear, towards greater violence and suffering that will make the path to the negotiating table more arduous.”
Briefing the Security Council on situation in Yemen, the Special Envoy Griffiths warned that the country is at a critical juncture.
He expressed his deep concern over the most alarming military escalation has taken place in Al Jawf. He said, “this escalation could trigger conflicts in other governorates and drag Yemen into a new and irresponsible cycle of violence. This would have devastating humanitarian and political consequences. This would gravely endanger civilians, and delay the long-awaited and much-needed political process aimed at bringing this war to a comprehensive close.”
Griffiths reiterated, “the parties must exercise maximum restraint to prevent such a terrible outcome. And it is imperative that they uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
The Special Envoy also noted that the governorate of Hudaydah continues to experience clashes, particularly in the city and the southern part of the governorate, and civilian casualties are regrettably increasing.
