Security Council calls for international conference on Yemen
Updated: 2015-05-13 14:51
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
An air strike hits a military site controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen's capital Sanaa, May 12, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
An aid shipment arrived at the port of Hodeida on Friday, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said also on Tuesday, adding that preparations were underway for a possible huge airlift of humanitarian aid if the pause in fighting holds.
The plan is for three flights to bring in 300 tons of sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen sets and plastic sheeting, spokesperson Adrian Edwards said.
The Security Council's statement said members emphasized that for the humanitarian pause to be successful, all parties will need to "transparently and reliably suspend military operations", and called on all sides to comply with international humanitarian law.
The Council also urged all parties to allow for the entry and delivery of essential relief items to the civilian population, including urgently needed food, medicine, and fuel, and to facilitate the field activities of humanitarian agencies, in coordination with the Yemeni government.
The Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, and its commitment to stand by the Yemeni people, the statement said.
Yemen has been mired in political gridlock since 2011 when mass protests forced former President Ali Abdullash Saleh to step down.
Three-year reconciliation talks failed to resolve the crisis but created a huge power vacuum that has potentially benefited the powerful al-Qaida and other extremist groups in the Arabian Peninsula.
Yemen is the base of al-Qaida in the peninsula, a powerful offshoot of the jihadist militant group, which has carried out suicide attacks on Houthi supporters.
The terrorist group Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIL or ISIS, is also gaining ground in the country.
Related Stories
Yemen truce starts after shelling 2015-05-13 10:35
Saudi-led air strikes hit Yemen capital hours before ceasefire 2015-05-12 16:15
China welcomes ceasefire in Yemen 2015-05-11 17:28
Yemen urges ground intervention to save country 2015-05-07 09:57
Kerry visits Djibouti, US military base as Yemen conflict drags on 2015-05-06 16:21
Over 1,000 killed in Yemen over past month: UN 2015-04-23 09:32
Today's Top News
Xi's trip highlights China's resolve to safeguard peace
China, Russia start search for remains of Soviet Union soldiers
Putin, Kerry discuss closer Russia-US cooperation on Ukraine crisis
G7 energy ministers to improve sustainable energy security
China, Belarus to boost relations at local level
Greece willing to discuss to join BRICS Development Bank
French president calls for end to US embargo on Cuba
Xi, Lukashenko pledge to boost relations
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |
Conca set to return to China |