Secretary-General: 

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Bonjour, Mesdames et Monsieurs.

I am pleased to be joined by my Special Envoy on Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.  I want to thank him for his tireless work on behalf of the people of Yemen.

I have taken part in very constructive meetings with representatives of the Government of Yemen.  I have also just briefed the so-called Group of 16-plus Ambassadors to Yemen.

As you know, our goal was to have a joint meeting this morning, but logistical issues made this impossible this morning.  But I am pleased to note that the other parties are on their way and the full complement of participants in the consultations should be here in the coming hours.

I wanted to be here to demonstrate and leave with all parties my full support and solidarity for the people of Yemen and their quest for peace.

We have a special obligation to act.

Even before the terrible fighting, Yemen was one of the world’s poorest countries in one of the world’s richest neighborhoods. 

Since March, the fighting has killed more than 2,600 people – half of them civilians.  It has  destroyed schools, hospitals and precious cultural heritage.  Today, Yemen’s very existence hangs in the balance. While parties bicker, Yemen burns.

The parties have a responsibility to end the fighting and begin a real process of peace and reconciliation.

The international community has a responsibility to fully support that effort.

We must do so, above all, for the people of Yemen, where 80 percent of the population is now in need of humanitarian assistance. 

We don’t have a moment to lose.

In Yemen’s case, the ticking clock is not a timepiece, it is a time bomb.

The fighting is giving new strength to some of the world’s most ruthless terrorist groups.

The region simply cannot sustain another open wound like Syria and Libya.  We must find a way to end the suffering and begin the long road to peace.

There is reason for hope.  Unlike other crises, the permanent members of the Security Council are united.  We must make the most of the momentum of opportunity.

I am calling for action on three specific points:

First, a renewed humanitarian pause to allow critical assistance to reach all Yemenis in need and provide a respite for Yemenis as the holy month of Ramadan begins.  Even though a pause is necessary, it is not sufficient given the obstacles to access and the scale of the destruction.

That is why, second, I urge the parties to reach agreement on local ceasefires, with the withdrawal of armed groups from cities and a pathway towards a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire throughout the country.

Third, I call on them to resume a peaceful and orderly political transition, and to ensure that the process includes more representation from other political parties, women, youth and civil society.

Once again, Yemen faces a hard road.  But I hope that this week will mark the beginning of the end of fighting – and the start of a new and better future the people of Yemen so desperately deserve.

Thank you.

Question: [Inaudible, on expectations for the consultations and the ICC warrant for Omar al-Bashir]
Secretary-General: First, the question pertinent to the situation in Yemen.  I have emphasized the importance of having another humanitarian pause, for at least two weeks.  The Ramadan begins in two days.  Ramadan is a period when people pray for peace, reflection, harmony and reconciliation.  So, the people of Yemen should be able to enjoy this kind of peace, particularly during Ramadan. There is always a good reason to pause for humanitarian purpose.
For your second question, I am aware of these reports, on the International Criminal Court’s warrant for the arrest of President al-Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.  This is a matter I take extremely seriously.  The authority of the ICC must be respected, and its decisions implemented.

Question: [Inaudible, on the absence of the Houthi delegation]
Secretary-General: As I said, this is purely a logistical issue that representatives of Houthis and other groupings were not able to arrive yesterday.  I am expecting that they will arrive late this afternoon or early this evening, so they will meet with my Special Envoy.  Unfortunately, I could not wait for their arrival because of unavoidable engagements. 

Question: Will Saudi aggression stop during Ramadan?
Secretary-General: I am urging them that, particularly during this Ramadan, which is a period for peace for people, they must stop. I am urging the parties to have a humanitarian pause so that this can create some political space.  Thank you. Shukran.