European Union welcomes ceasefire in Yemen

BRUSSELS, April 9 (YPA) – The European Union (EU) on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire announced Wednesday evening by Saudi Arabia, which is leading the war coalition against Yemen.

“It has become urgent now that the local parties to the conflict cease immediately all hostilities and begin talks in good faith under the auspices of the United Nations,” the union said in a statement.

The Union considered that the meeting between the parties on the crisis, as proposed by the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, represents a unique opportunity to discuss ways to end the conflict.

The EU’s statement confirmed its encouragement to the Yemeni parties to engage seriously and constructively in the process and to refrain from any unilateral actions that would undermine this goal.

The statement stressed the necessity of the continuous flow of commercial goods, especially medicines and humanitarian aid, without obstacles in order to reach the needy during this critical period.

“The Corona virus pandemic knows no boundaries and does not differentiate between a friend and an opponent,” the statement said. “The impact of the pandemic on a country torn by six years of war can be disastrous.”

The European Union also affirmed its full support to the United Nations Special Envoy and his team, affirming that it will enhance its interaction with all Yemenis, including communication with the parties and relevant actors.

YPA