UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday welcomed the peaceful transfer of power in Yemen from the president to a newly formed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC).
In a press statement, the members of the Security Council welcomed the creation of and assumption of responsibilities by the PLC, which reflects a broader array of political actors. They expressed their hope and expectation that this will form an important step toward stability and an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under UN auspices, following the April 2 truce commencement.
They noted with satisfaction the intention of the PLC to form a negotiating team for the UN-led talks. They reiterated their support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, welcomed the Yemeni government's constructive engagement, and encouraged the PLC to continue this in order to reach a political settlement under UN auspices.
The council members noted Grundberg's visit to Houthi-held capital Sanaa on Monday for the first time since he assumed his post. They called on the Houthis to engage and work with the UN special envoy on his efforts to achieve a comprehensive cease-fire and to negotiate an inclusive political solution. They underscored the importance of a minimum 30 percent participation by women.
The council members reiterated their deep concern about Yemen's humanitarian crisis and encouraged donors to fully fund the UN humanitarian response plan and support the Yemeni government's efforts to stabilize the economy. They welcomed the economic support package worth 3 billion U.S. dollars announced by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia's additional commitment of 300 million dollars to fund the UN humanitarian response plan. They expressed their full support for the PLC in addressing the urgent humanitarian and economic needs of the Yemeni people. They commended the contributions of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its members in supporting peace, promoting political dialogue, and in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the Yemeni government. ■
