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Remarks by Acting DPR Mr. Yao Shaojun at Security Council Video Conference on Yemen

2020-05-14 07:31

I thank Special Envoy Mr. Griffths and Acting ASG Mr. Rajasingham for your briefings. China commends your efforts to promote a national ceasefire and improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen. These efforts are particularly significant in the face of COVID-19 pandemic.

China has been following the situation in Yemen closely. We support the ceasefire appeal made by the SG and his Special Envoy. We welcome the extended unilateral ceasefire made by Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Coalition. All parties should make further efforts towards the same direction, so as to reach and sustain a complete ceasefire together.

China shares the concern of the SG and his Special Envoy about the instability in Southern Yemen. The Council already issued a press statement in this regard, calling for expeditious implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. We reiterate the importance of Riyadh Agreement, which serves the interests of all parties. Confrontation and escalation are the last thing that Yemeni people need, especially at this difficult moment.

Political settlement is the only way forward to end the conflict in Yemen. Years of conflicts have proved it’s a war of no winners. China supports the Special Envoy’s efforts to secure nationwide ceasefire, enhance confidence-building measures in humanitarian and economic areas, and restart inclusive political process.

It is imperative that all parties to the conflict strengthen their political will, and engage in broad dialogue and consultations. We urge all parties to stay in close contact under the coordination of Mr. Griffiths, and encourage regional countries to continue to play a positive role. For China, our message is clear and consistent, and that is political settlement. Our embassy to Yemen has been in active engagement with the Government of Yemen and also other parties in Yemen.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is alarming, and compounded by COVID-19 pandemic, flood, power shortage and other challenges. The fundamental interests of Yemen people are at stake. We urge all parties to demonstrate unity, jointly fight the pandemic and improve livelihoods of the Yemen people. Last week, China donated 10,000 N95 facial masks to Yemen's Ministry of Health as well as other humanitarian assistance such as rice. We call on the international community and donor countries to step up the essential assistance to Yemen, especially in the upcoming Virtual High-level Pledging Event on June 2. Meanwhile, the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen must be fully respected.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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