SG/SM/16519

Secretary-General, Welcoming Resumption of UN-Facilitated Talks in Yemen, Reiterates Commitment to Help Yemenis Overcome Political Impasse

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement that his Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, will be reconvening tomorrow the UN-facilitated negotiations in Yemen.  He congratulates the political parties and constituencies for assuming their responsibility as leaders of the country to peacefully steer Yemen through this challenging period.

The Secretary-General reiterates the full commitment of the United Nations to assist the Yemenis in finding a consensual solution to the current political impasse.  He urges all sides to resolve themselves to complete the political transition as set forth in the Implementation Mechanism of the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement.

The Secretary-General calls on all sides to negotiate in good faith and in the spirit of compromise. He further urges all sides to cooperate with his Special Adviser on Yemen, who enjoys his full support.

For information media. Not an official record.