The Secretary-General welcomes the signing today of a political settlement agreement on Yemen, as called for in Security Council resolution 2014 (2011). This Agreement marks an important step for the people of Yemen in moving their country forward towards a better future.

The Secretary-General acknowledges the commitment of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to enable the transition process to begin. He also notes the constructive roles played by Vice-President Hadi, as well as the Representatives of the General People's Congress, and the National Council for the Peaceful Revolutionary Forces for concluding this Agreement. He welcomes the important role played by the Gulf Cooperation Council, members of the Security Council and the European Union in promoting a peaceful transition. The Secretary-General is pleased that, at the request of both sides, his Special Adviser, Mr. Jamal Benomar, was able to facilitate the Agreement and bring it to a successful conclusion.

The people of Yemen have endured great suffering and hardship. The Secretary-General therefore calls on all sides to honour their commitments made in the Agreement in good faith with a view to its full implementation, immediately ceasing all violent acts, refraining from any further provocations, and working towards a fully inclusive transition process that is responsive to the legitimate demands of the Yemeni people. This will be essential for restoring peace and stability and promoting recovery.

The United Nations is fully committed to assisting the people of Yemen in bringing the envisaged transition process towards a successful conclusion.