UN Security Council rejects Sweden’s plan for end to Yemen war

SANAA, June 16 (YPA)- The UN Security Council has rejected a plan to call for an end to fighting in Hodeidah, Yemen as Saudi-led forces look poised to take the city’s airport.

The UK and the US, which support the Saudi-led coalition in its war against Yemen, voiced opposition to the motion brought by Sweden, one of the council’s 15 members.

The council instead “urged all sides to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law” and called for the port, a vital aid route for 70pc of Yemen’s food, to be kept open.

Forces of the Western-backed coalition have claimed to advance to towards of the international airport, which was denied by the military sources closed to the Salvation government in the capital Sanaa.

Karen Pierce, the UK ambassador to the UN, said: “We make our own decisions in the Security Council and we make them on the basis of the British national interest including wider issues of security. The most important aspect is to secure a political settlement.”

The decision left open the possibility of a direct attack on Hodeidah, although officials are still hoping for a last-minute deal.

E.M