US State Department urges all parties to end hostilities in Yemen, focus on peace on efforts

DUBAI: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for a cessation of hostilities in Yemen and the resumption of vigorous efforts for a political solution to the crisis.

“The United States calls on all parties to support UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen based on agreed references,” Pompeo said in a statement.

“The time is now for the cessation of hostilities, including missile and UAV strikes from Houthi-controlled areas into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Subsequently, Coalition air strikes must cease in all populated areas in Yemen.”

Pompeo also called on parties to start consultations next month, under the UN Special Envoy in a third country, for a possible adoption and implementation of “confidence-building measures to address the underlying issues of the conflict, the demilitarization of borders, and the concentration of all large weapons under international observations.

“A cessation of hostilities and vigorous resumption of a political track will help ease the humanitarian crisis as well,” the US state secretary added.

The conflict in Yemen has sparked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with the UN estimating three-quarters of the population — or 22 million people — in need of immediate humanitarian support. Nearly 10,000 people have died since the conflict erupted in March 2015.

“It is a time to end this conflict, replace conflict with compromise, and allow the Yemeni people to heal through peace and reconstruction,” Pompeo said.