The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Yemen on concluding the National Dialogue Conference yesterday. He commends the leadership and determination of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the delegates of the Conference in bringing it to a successful conclusion. It represents a major step forward in the transition of Yemen and a hard won achievement, in the face of obstacles and delays.

Yemen has demonstrated to the region that positive change is possible when pursued through dialogue and compromise. The commitment of all political actors to achieve a peaceful transition has set Yemen on the path to democratic governance.

Yet, the assassination on the same day of Mr. Ahmad Sharafeddin, a leading Houthi delegate to the Conference and former Dean of the Law faculty at Sana'a University, is a stark reminder of the challenges Yemen faces. The Secretary-General condemns the killing of Mr. Sharafeddin, and conveys his sincere sympathies and condolences to his bereaved family. He also calls on the Yemeni authorities to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

The Secretary-General calls on the people of Yemen to respond positively to the important decisions taken through the National Dialogue and to work in good faith towards building a new Yemen. The Secretary-General reiterates the continuing support of the United Nations in the next phase of the transition. To this end, his Special Adviser, Mr. Jamal Benomar, who has facilitated negotiations within the National Dialogue Conference over the last ten months, will remain closely engaged with all Yemeni sides as well as international partners.