Yemen: UN Security Council hails new peace accord, warns against violent disruptions

Yemen has recently emerged from a complex UN-backed transition, but the past few months have been marked by violence and unrest in some parts of the country, with scores of thousands of Houthi people from the north descending on the capital, Sana’a.

“The members of the Security Council emphasise that any actions disrupting security and the carrying out of attacks and threats against political opponents are unacceptable and threaten the peace and security of the whole country,” the 15-member body said in a press statement, stressing the need for all parties to turn over all medium and heavy weapons to legitimate State security bodies.

“These actions must cease now. In this regard, the members of the Security Council underline the necessity for all the parties, including the Houthis, to abide strictly by the terms of the Peace and National Partnership Agreement in its entirety.”

The agreement was signed at the weekend as part of efforts led by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Adviser, Jamal Benomar.

The Council underlined that President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi is the legitimate authority based on election results and all parties and political actors must unite behind him to keep the country on track to stability and security.

“The members of the Security Council call for rapid formation of the new government and, in particular, stress the need for all parties to respect and uphold the paramount importance of security organs that are loyal to the state,” the statement said.

A wide view of the Security Council in session (file photo). UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras