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Statement by Ambassador ZHANG Jun at the Security Council Meeting on Yemen

2019-11-22 11:25

Madam President,

I thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Mueller for their briefings. China supports Special Envoy Griffiths in advancing the political process in Yemen and commends the untiring efforts of the United Nations and relevant agencies to improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen.

There have been signs, of late, that the situation in Yemen is easing. The United Nations and regional countries should seize this opportunity and further encourage the Yemeni parties to bridge their differences and strive for an early resumption of the comprehensive political settlement process in Yemen. China welcomes the recent signing of the Riyadh Agreement between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, which was an important step towards the implementation of the agreement. China welcomes these developments and appreciates the positive role of Saudi Arabia and other relevant parties. We hope this will serve as a good example of negotiated solutions achieved through dialogue. China supports Special Envoy Griffiths in his preparations for a new round of peace talks. The Yemeni parties should refrain from any actions that would lead to an escalation of tensions and should preserve the momentum of a political solution.

Since it was concluded nearly a year ago, the Stockholm Agreement has been instrumental in improving the situation in Hodeidah and advancing the political process in Yemen. Right now, the situation in Hodeidah remains tense. Nevertheless, UNMHA and the Redeployment Coordination Committee have risen above the difficulties to calm the situation there. China appreciates this. It behoves the Yemeni parties to demonstrate their political will, stop violating the ceasefire agreement and ensure that the Hodeidah Agreement be fully implemented. China supports the prisoner exchange committee in keeping up its effective work. Implementing the existing agreements properly will also help the parties build greater confidence in each other and pave the way for comprehensive political negotiations.

The Security Council should remain united on this matter, firmly support Yemen's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and provide political support for the diplomatic efforts of the United Nations and regional countries. The Security Council permanent members' ambassadors to Yemen recently had a meeting in Riyadh with Special Envoy Griffiths and General Guha, Chairman of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, and reiterated their support for their work. All members of the Security Council should work in synergy with the special envoy, UNMHA, the Redeployment Coordination Committee and regional countries to contribute to the early restoration of peace, stability and order in Yemen.

Madam President,

The international community should provide tailored assistance to improve the living conditions of the Yemeni people. The Yemeni parties should fully cooperate with the humanitarian operations of the United Nations and other relevant agencies. At present, efforts should be focused on easing Yemen's oil crisis, stabilising the Yemeni rial and prices, curbing cholera, supporting development and reconstruction projects and increasing employment. China has long been striving to assist the Yemeni people. Just recently, through bilateral channels, we once again provided such assistance to Yemen, including, in particular, a gift of sporting goods to the Yemeni youth. On 31 October, China and the Yemeni government signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, whereby Yemen will receive RMB 100 million or 14 million dollars' worth of aid, to improve Yemen's economic and humanitarian situation. It is China's consistent position that development is an effective pathway to peace and stability in countries in conflict. China stands ready to do more practical work for the benefit of the Yemeni people, participate in the economic reconstruction of Yemen, bolster the Yemeni people's confidence in their future and contribute constructively to the early achievement of lasting peace and stability in Yemen.

Thank you, Madam President.

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