EU calls for Cease-fire in Yemen’s Hodeidah, amid coalition offensive

SANAA, June 26 (YPA) – The European Union called on all parties to the conflict to a cease-fire in the besieged port city of Hodeidah.

The call came after the UN’s Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths briefed to the EU ministers on the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen.

In a statement obtained by Yemen Press Agency, the EU expressed “extreme concern” over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in war-battered Yemen, calling for a ceasefire in the port city of Hodeidah.

The EU foreign ministers underlined their strong support for a UN-led peace initiative to end the Saudi war against the impoverished nation, ruling out any military solution to the conflict.

“The EU will maintain its engagement with all parties to the conflict and stands ready to increase its action in Yemen, including in delivering humanitarian aid across the country and in mobilizing development assistance to fund projects in crucial sectors,” the statement read.

It also urged “all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and fully respect the international humanitarian law, including unimpeded humanitarian access and safe passage for those who want to escape the fighting.”

EU ministers called on the Saudi-led coalition to ensure the free and rapid passage of ships containing humanitarian supplies.

E.M