S/PV.7037 Security Council

I warmly welcome the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ministers and other representatives present in the Security Council Chamber. Their presence affirms the importance of the subject matter to be addressed. Under rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Yemen to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I warmly welcome His Excellency Mr. Abubaker A. Al-Qirbi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Yemen. Under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedures, I invite Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, to participate in this meeting. Under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedures, I invite Mr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Jamal Benomar.

Following a month in Yemen on my twenty-third mission, I have just returned to New York in order to address this Council. I left Sana’a in the middle of facilitating talks on the southern question — a thorny issue on which agreement has proved elusive thus far. It is paramount to underscore to the Council that the transition process in Yemen has reached a critical juncture. While the historic National Dialogue Conference is on its way to concluding its work with far-reaching recommendations to guide Yemen’s future course, the country is facing serious political, economic, humanitarian and security challenges, and key issues have yet to be resolved. Nevertheless, there are achievements to be celebrated in Yemen. The National Dialogue Conference, the first ever exercise of its kind in Yemen, and indeed in the region, has given rise to a peaceful, inclusive and meaningful dialogue amongst diverse actors, bringing in new actors to the political process such as youth, women, civil society representatives, the Houthi movement and the Hiraak southern movement. The Conference has not only provided the opportunity for delegates from previously marginalized groups to participate in serious and deliberative discussions about the future of Yemen, but has also convened former parties to conflict to negotiate solutions and address historical grievances in order to move towards a brighter and democratic future for all Yemenis. The Dialogue has made extraordinary progress since it was launched on 18 March. Over the past six months, 565 delegates, representing a wide cross-section of Yemeni society, have engaged in constructive, open and substantive deliberations on the key challenges facing the country. The focus on principal and controversial issues relevant to Yemen’s governance have laid the foundation for a new social contract and a legal framework based on dignity, equality, human rights and the rule of law. In fact, the work of the National Dialogue is nearly 90 per cent complete. Six of the nine working groups have completed their work. Taken together, the recommendations developed during the dialogue provide a blueprint for building a more peaceful, just and prosperous Yemen. They include measures to ensure more open, accountable governance; greater participation of women in decision-making; and improved protection of human rights. Indeed, last week my team supported a conference entitled “Women Partners in Dialogue, Partners in Building and Decision Making,” during which I had the opportunity to meet with the women’s caucus; they informed me of their satisfaction in achieving key objectives of the National Dialogue. Foremost among these are acknowledgment of and protection for women’s human rights; integration of these rights in the new constitution to ensure equality; and a guarantee of 30 per cent women’s representation in three branches of Government. This is quite extraordinary, particularly in a part of the world that suffers from an evident deficit on women’s rights and gender equality. In particular, the efforts of the working groups on Sa’da and the South have helped to identify the roots of conflicts and the grievances of the people affected by war in those parts of the country. This will allow the State to mitigate the conditions that gave rise to past conflicts and to redress the grievances that emerged out of them. In fact, the Sa’ada working group has reached agreement on some 70 conclusions and related implementation guarantees. All delegates deserve praise for their hard work, dedication and tireless efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Dialogue. I wish to pay special tribute to the contributions of the delegates representing youth, women and civil society, whose energy, creativity and enthusiasm in many ways served as the engine that propelled the dialogue forward. The inputs and ideas put forth by countless citizens throughout the country  — through their participation in town hall meetings, public discussions and through the media – also contributed greatly to enriching the dialogue process. It is, however, important to recall that the Conference is but one step in the transition. The National Dialogue was never intended to resolve all of Yemen’s challenges. It was designed as part of a wider and longer-term political transformation process. As the Council is well aware, there have been delays in implementing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, which have impacted the already tight time frame. This is a result of a combination of the fact that some tasks simply took longer than foreseen, and the fact that there have been acts of obstruction at times. Consequently, the timetable has inevitably shifted. Only several months remain to complete work that has taken other countries years. The work includes completing the National Dialogue, drafting and adopting a new constitution, and organizing and conducting general elections. All this implies complex negotiations, technical preparations and public consultations with a view to building consensus. What is more vital is that progress continues to be made by achieving the milestones of the transition laid out in the Implementation Mechanism. The difficulties facing the National Dialogue Conference in its waning weeks have underscored the imperative of addressing the Southern question in a fair manner. In recent weeks, the Hiraak southern movement suspended its participation in the Conference for nearly a month, contending that its legitimate grievances and aspirations were not being adequately addressed. Indeed it is beyond contention in Yemen that the South has suffered nearly two decades of discrimination and marginalization. However, the Hiraak was persuaded to return to the National Dialogue, following additional commitments by President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour and the Government to speedily implement confidence-building measures in the South. In this context, the Hiraak and other constituencies agreed to negotiations to resolve the controversial issues of state structure and the status of the South. Since 10 September, at the request of the parties I have been facilitating talks aimed at finding a consensual solution to the Southern question. Throughout these discussions, I have stressed that the Yemenis are the decision-makers. They are the ones who will live with the long-term consequences of the choices they are about to make. I am pleased to report that progress is being made, based on the various proposals put forward by the different constituencies towards agreeing on a set of principles with a view to building a new federal State structure, although discussions continue with regard to the number and delineation of the federal units. Consensus has been sought on a number of delicate issues, including natural resources, power- sharing, and allocation of authority to federal, regional and local levels. The commitment of southerners to supporting the new vision of a federal Yemen is largely contingent on timely and unambiguous action by the Government to redress past injustices and on guarantees that there will be no return to the past. Toward this end, it is essential that the outstanding elements of the confidence-building measures — known as the 20+11 points  — be implemented without delay and, insofar as implementation depends on longer-term processes, that the timeline for their implementation be clearly articulated. In this connection, I welcome the action plan of the Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Mohamed Salem Mohamed Basendwah, to implement the 20+11 points, its apology to the people of the South and Sa’ada for past abuses committed in their respective conflicts, and the continuing work of the two commissions to address the unlawful or illegitimate seizure of land and property and the unjust dismissals from the military and civil service in the South. I am particularly pleased that Qatar has pledged $350 million to support restitution and compensation claims for the South, which comes at a critical time. I sincerely hope other countries will follow suit. The recent difficulties encountered in the National Dialogue must not be allowed to jeopardize the gains achieved thus far. These gains must be preserved and forward momentum maintained with a timely move to the next stages of the transition. The final phase of a political process of this nature and magnitude is rarely easy, as parties reach the stage where they must make tough decisions on sensitive and complicated issues, and the National Dialogue is not immune to this phenomenon. Unfortunately, as the Council is aware, there are efforts to turn back the clock that undermine confidence in the political transition. In this connection, continued compromise and good will are required from all parties. There are potentially disruptive currents percolating in the country. At this stage, however, I am hoping that all stakeholders will cooperate in good faith to bring about a fruitful conclusion to the National Dialogue, and that it will be unnecessary for me to brief the Council to the contrary. As affirmed in resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012), all parties must commit to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, to rejecting acts of violence to achieve political goals, to refraining from provocations, and to cooperating in the implementation of the Transition Agreement. By signing the Transition Agreement, the parties recognized that a peaceful transition should represent a complete break with the past and a complete transfer of power to new governance in Yemen. Given the emerging consensus on federalism, there is increasing debate among Yemenis about the need for what they are now calling a constituting or establishment period to provide the necessary time with clear benchmarks, resources and capacity for transitioning towards a federal State. Indeed, some parties have developed proposals for such a constituting period, focusing on the need for more inclusion and power-sharing. These debates have also raised questions about the timing and character of elections. The National Dialogue was never designed to address all of Yemen’s challenges at the same time. The Conference was meant to conclude with a broad consensus on a set of principles on nine core topics that would provide guidelines for the process of drafting a constitution, which is one more step in the transition. Some issues will require work beyond the National Dialogue through auxiliary channels for genuinely inclusive negotiations that go hand-in-hand with the process of drafting a constitution. Moreover, subsequently, other issues will still need to be addressed through subsequent legislation, Government policies, plans and programmes. To sum up, the National Dialogue Conference is not a panacea or an end in and of itself, but a vehicle through which Yemenis can lay the foundations for more inclusive politics, agree on broad principles and initiate processes for resolving protracted conflicts. It appears that some people do not want the National Dialogue to reach an agreement until there is clarity and consensus on all aspects of the constituting period and the future federal State structure. In our opinion, it is important to address those matters one step at a time, with the aim of concluding the National Dialogue as a matter of priority. The people of Yemen look forward to that outcome in order to ensure that the transitional political process advances. Those political developments are transpiring against a backdrop of serious humanitarian, economic and security challenges. Yemenis have high expectations for a peaceful transition, yet today some 13 million people, more than half the entire population, require some form of humanitarian aid. The main causes of vulnerability in Yemen, such as poverty, chronic malnutrition, water shortages and inadequate government services, all arise from a lack of development. The Government of National Unity, in its efforts to address the underlying causes of a humanitarian crisis and to tackle serious underdevelopment of the country, should be given all the support it needs. I take this opportunity to welcome a presidential decree to establish an anti-corruption board and approving an action plan for the elimination of clandestine workers and double-dippers. In parts of Yemen, the security situation remains volatile, while Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula still posing a major threat. Just last week, that group carried out major attacks in Shabwa governorate, resulting in dozens of deaths. Assassinations of senior military officers and kidnappings continue to take place. In the north over the past few weeks, scores of people have reportedly been killed after clashes between opposing armed groups in Sa’ada and Amran governorates. We are monitoring this trend closely, and are engaged with the main actors. The relentless campaign against public infrastructure continues. There have been frequent and increasing acts of sabotage and attacks on infrastructure, electrical cables, and oil and gas pipelines, costing the Government tens of millions of dollars. The Yemeni people demand that those responsible for such criminal acts be brought to justice swiftly. Nevertheless, as I have said before, and it is worth saying it again, to date Yemen remains the only peaceful country in negotiated transition among those of the Arab Spring. The National Dialogue Conference is the most genuine, transparent and inclusive deliberative political process anywhere in the Arab region. This model for dialogue and deliberation for establishing democratic governance based on the will of the people can inform other transitional processes in the Arab world and beyond. This is a remarkable achievement of which the Yemeni people should be proud, since they have shown the Arab world what can be done when people commit to peaceful change. In conclusion, it is imperative for the National Dialogue to reach consensus in order to enter the next transitional phase. Much credit must go to President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, who despite all odds, has shown his persistent and unwavering commitment to steering and ensuring the conclusion of a transitional political process. He deserves all our support. The world is watching Yemen to see whether it will continue along the promising path on which it has set out. Once the National Dialogue Conference has been concluded, the implemention of the agreements reached will pose other challenges. In that regard, I heard one consistent message during my most recent visit  — Yemenis are still counting on the Security Council to uphold its unanimous support as they move towards the next stage. The strong, sustained support of the international community  — in particular the Gulf Cooperation Council, the European Union, the Friends of Yemen and the Security Council — has always been critical. I would like to commend the leadership role of Mr. Abdul Latif Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. I would also like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the co-chair of the Friends of Yemen, for being the first and largest donor to honour its pledges. We also wish to thank the diplomatic community in Sana’a for its efforts and active support. Yemenis are counting on the international community to continue supporting the country. At the United Nations, we will continue to provide all the necessary knowledge, support and advice, in close cooperation with our partners, to ensure a successful transitional political process in Yemen.

I thank Mr. Benomar for his briefing. I now give the floor to the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Let me at the outset thank you, Madam President, for having organized this important meeting on developments in the situation within the Republic of Yemen. I am pleased to take part in this meeting. We at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are pleased to do so because we are closely tied to Yemen, its people, its future security, its evolution and its development. The Security Council’s ongoing interest in Yemen with respect to the political and security situation in the country, as well as the implementation of the GCC initiative and in addressing challenges and obstacles, gives us hope that Yemen will be able to get through this critical period in its history. The Security Council charged with maintaining international peace, stability and security. It enjoys international respect, and its mandate under Chapters VI and VII of the United Nations Charter gives it a role in the maintenance of international peace and security, settling disputes, preventing aggression and maintaining its important role on economic and security questions. The Security Council, given its responsibilities, mandate and credibility, is the international body whose role it is to protect the political process under way in Yemen. As a regional organization that is dealing with the Yemeni crisis and wants to ensure the success of the peaceful settlement to help the process move forward successfully, the Gulf Cooperation Council would like to rely on the Security Council and the international legality it represents. I would like to commend the resolutions, declarations and statements on Yemen and the visit of Council members last January, which was an important symbol for the security, stability and unity of Yemen. The Council’s support for the Government and its leaders and the Council’s backing of the expectations of the Yemeni people to be able to implement the political and economic reforms are key. The Council’s mission expressed its support and wish to continue to follow up on the Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiatives regarding the implementation mechanisms available to meet the challenges, deal with impediments and support the national dialogue during this critical period for the future of Yemen. In the Gulf Cooperation Council we understand the importance of implementing our initiative. We expect very much from the Security Council, particularly as there are external forces, including the Yemeni side and terrorist groups, that despite admonitions from the Council, are working to impede national dialogue and the political and peaceful processes. Some of those forces seek to undermine Yemen’s stability. The role of the Council will be important in terms of supporting the national dialogue throughout in order to reassure the people of Yemen and give it confidence in a prosperous and secure future. The efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council will not be successful without the initiative seeking to prevent a civil war in Yemen, which was done thanks to the wisdom of the Yemenis themselves. They sought to bring about peace and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. Confidence in the Gulf Cooperation Council member States, which had good intentions and close historical, political, social, economic and cultural ties with Yemen, all helped to bring us forward. Mediation by the Gulf Cooperation Council has also played an important role in providing confidence to the people of Yemen and the political forces there. We maintain a certain equidistance in relation to all the parties, and our goal is clear and well defined, namely, to avert a civil war, preserve the security, stability and unity of Yemen and meet the expectations of the people and its aspirations. Here, I would like to commend the President of the Republic of Yemen, Mr. Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, and his wise decisions and leadership during the transition period, as well as with respect to the National Dialogue Conference overall. Thanks to his wise leadership and his determination, he has been able to bring Yemen out of the crisis and meet the expectations of the people, despite the impediments and challenges of this period. I would also like to commend the role of the Friends of Yemen and their support for the initiative through their ambassadors in Sana’a. Our cooperation in Yemen has been an outstanding example of regional and international cooperation for the settling of disputes that threaten international peace and security. The sponsors of the initiative need to speak with one voice and coordinate their efforts to support the Yemeni parties in this difficult period. That cooperation reaffirms for the Yemenis the commitment of the international community and its support for their cause. In that regard, let me here commend Mr. Jamal Benomar, the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Yemen, and his efforts and support for the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its implementation mechanism. His work and commitment with respect to the mission of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Sana’a has been key. The States of the Gulf Cooperation Council want peace. They are open to the world. They enjoy transparent relations with other States and organizations. We share the same peaceful principles, which govern our policies. We reject violence. We call for dialogue and for respect for the sovereignty and independence of States. The States of the Gulf Cooperation Council are bedrocks of stability and security in a region that is experiencing one of the most difficult and complex periods of its history. Our States would like to ensure cooperation and meet regional and international expectations. The principles of our foreign policies give us great credibility and international prestige. That is clear. Our regional role has become an active one and contributes to settling the various issues. We support the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of peace and security, in particular under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, which reaffirms the role of international organizations in settling disputes as a complementary role to the United Nations. We in the Gulf Cooperation Council are fully available and prepared to assist Yemen. Our relationship with that brother country will continue, and we will pursue our efforts to provide support to development in all spheres during this economically difficult period, which includes humanitarian problems and challenges resulting from piracy, illegal migration, terrorism and worsening poverty. The efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council member States are coordinated with the Friends of Yemen, presided over by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Yemen. Together with the donors conference, we are all working to meet the pledges totalling $8 billion for Yemen, with most of the funds coming from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Although Yemen still needs further financial support, it is most important to ensure that the pledges already made are realized and to begin to implement programmes and projects impacting the daily lives of the Yemeni people. That would increase their confidence in the political period that lies ahead, particularly as they will judge political changes underway based on the effects on their living conditions. In addition, supporting Yemen economically and rapid reconstruction and development efforts are essential to security and stability. From the outset, the Security Council has been playing an important role in supporting the mediation and the implementation of the initiative. The Council’s support continues to be necessary for a peaceful solution in Yemen, to ensure a peaceful settlement to the dispute and to help the Yemenis with the support of their friends. Finally, let me thank you, Madam President, for letting me address the Council. Our hope is that we will be able to help establish a new Yemen able to meet the expectations of its own people and its hopes for a better life.

I thank Mr. Al-Zayani for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Abubaker Al-Qirbi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen.

I should like to begin by thanking the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia for the work done by the Australian Mission during its presidency this month. Our thanks go also to Mr. Héctor Marcos Timerman, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Argentina, for his wise leadership of the Council last month. I would also like to convey the greetings of President Mansour and his deep appreciation of the role played by the Security Council in supporting the Yemeni Republic, which enabled it to peacefully overcome the political crisis; that was deeply appreciated by the international community. The visit of the Secretary-General and the Security Council mission to Yemen truly touched the hearts of the Yemeni people, because they reaffirmed the concern of the Security Council and the international community with regard to the crisis in Yemen and their support for the country during the transitional period, with a view to bringing the transition to a successful conclusion. The Security Council supported the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative and its implementation mechanism by adopting resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012). I am sure that the Council will agree that the leaders of the two parties to the conflict showed wisdom in agreeing to a peaceful settlement and the democratic transfer of power. President Mansour was able to manage the crisis in such a way as to absorb all of the parties and induce them to work together to implement the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative in keeping with the deadlines set. He was able to defuse the political conflict and involve all parties in the National Dialogue Conference. That acceptance is evidence of the degree of civilization of the Yemeni people, who, at the end of the day, have given priority to the interests of their country over those of clans, parties or individuals. The National Dialogue Conference has been a forum for the free, transparent and courageous expression of differing, sometimes provocative positions, but, most importantly, it has made it possible for people to hear and accept others’ views and make concessions; it therefore stands as a good example. On behalf of the Republic of Yemen, we would like to thank the Secretary-General, who followed the political process in Yemen; the five permanent members of the Security Council; and the States members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which, through their ambassadors in Sana’a, made it possible to reach a political solution by reaffirming that it had to be Yemeni-led. We thank the countries of the GCC, which proposed the Gulf initiative and have continued to sponsor it. We would also like to thank Mr. Al-Zayani, Secretary-General of the GCC, as well as Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Yemen, for their tireless efforts to involve the Yemeni people in the process of resolving the most complex issues, particularly during the most trying stages of the National Dialogue Conference. Over the course of two years the Council has heard a number of briefings by Mr. Jamal Benomar, which have made clear that the Yemeni people are committed to the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanism, as well as to the National Dialogue Conference, so as to allow Yemen to emerge from its political crisis and to create a new Yemen. During his briefing today, although he spoke of the fragility of the economic and security situation and of other threats, Mr. Benomar stressed the commitment of the Yemeni people. However, in order for success to be achieved, economic and political support will be required in the areas of reconstruction and compensation. Members will agree that that cost, whatever it might be, would be lower than that of Yemen returning to the starting block. President Mansour has worked tirelessly in the area of the economy, which has been adversely affected by terrorism. The President focused on managing the National Dialogue Conference and was able to overcome obstacles through his wisdom and his patience. Despite his efforts, however, certain participants in the National Dialogue made a deliberate attempt to reject the five goals contained in the GCC initiative, particularly the need to preserve the unity, security and stability of Yemen. Those goals were reaffirmed in resolutions 2015 (2011) and 2014 (2011), given the importance of the Yemeni-agreed hewing closely to the five goals defined in the GCC initiative. The Council is thus called on to respect those resolutions and to reject any proposal that is not consistent with those goals, because that could give certain parties a pretext to go back to square one — which was a situation of violence and conflict. That is what we have been able to avoid up until now, thanks to the Gulf initiative, the unified position of the Council and its unity with the GCC countries. The differences among and the legitimate claims of Yemenis in the north, south, east and west of the country were taken into consideration during the National Dialogue Conference, in full transparency, with no restrictions. Most of those involved in the Dialogue agreed on a consensus laying out a number of solutions. Those solutions are part of the new Constitution, which sets out how power is to be exercised and provides for justice for all, the equitable distribution of wealth and the building of the State, while also addressing the administrative and power imbalances that were the source of previous crises. The solution must ensure that the experiences of the past do not recur; indeed, the best guarantee for the future is the Constitution, the rule of law and the State institutions tasked with implementing the outcome of the National Dialogue; external guarantees will help the political forces to remain involved in the process, in keeping with the agreements reached. Mr. Benomar’s briefing described the developments in the political process since his previous briefing. I should like to add that six of the nine working groups have finished their work. The problem remains with the State-building group and the group dealing with the southern provinces. The success of the State-building group depends on the work being completed by the group dealing with the southern issues. A small committee of 16 — eight from the North and eight from the South — members from the southern issues group has been created to deal with that, including representation from all political sides, with members from north and south, to resolve those differences and arrive at a consensus with regard to the nature of the State. However, there are fears that there may be delays for unknown reasons, which could create a further separation in the future. Thanks to the good offices of the President of the Republic and Mr. Benomar, those meetings have continued, and Mr. Benomar has been able to bring together the views of the participants. We hope that consensus will be possible. As in the past, through the GCC initiative, we have sometimes had to wait for months for consensus to be achieved, but our goal is to have a successful end to the transitional period and National Dialogue in order to accomplish the planned goals in a comprehensive manner. I would like to reaffirm to the Security Council that what we need from it as Yemenis is that the Council not dictate the solution but that it maintain unity within the Council and its support for the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and its implementing mechanism, as well as the two relevant resolutions, and avoid any attempt to prevent the implementation of the initiative for the National Dialogue. President Hadi Mansour is sure that the transitional period and the National Dialogue will be successful. We must not move away from that towards a situation of violence. He always reaffirms that all constitutional and legal solutions are acceptable with a view to bringing about freedom and justice for all and to dealing with the genuine injustices that existed in the past. That is all part of Yemeni unity, which is not just a safety valve for Yemen itself but for the region and the world. Mr. Benomar spoke about the challenges of the economic and security situation through which Yemen is going. The friends of Yemen group has also dealt with those issues in detail. Today’s transitional efforts will not be successful unless the economic and security challenges, as well as the political ones, are addressed, particularly in light of the precarious humanitarian situation that Yemen is experiencing. The support of the international community for Yemen remains inadequate, although we recognize that the international community has understood that the way to deal with the crisis in Yemen is to provide it with the necessary support to enable it to achieve stability. That will be less costly, of course, for the international community than to see Yemen fall back into conflict and violence. Yemen must continue to be a shining light in the wake of the Arab Spring. In that connection, I would like to point out the humanitarian suffering of approximately 600,000 displaced persons in Yemen due to wars and terrorism and the presence of more than 1 million refugees from the Horn of Africa, as well as the issues of unemployment, poverty, and malnutrition that threaten 40 per cent of the population. Despite such a precarious humanitarian situation, the 2013 appeal was financed only to the tune of 44 per cent. That, I believe, requires that the Council examine how the deficit can be made up, since that support is important for Yemen’s security. To conclude, I would like to say that the people of Yemen are hoping for a clear position from this Council that will reaffirm the support it has always given to the Gulf initiative and to resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012). The results of the National Dialogue will be the only way to define the outlines of a new future, which the Yemenis themselves must do. The unity of Yemen is a Yemeni and international demand to preserve its stability, as well as international peace and security. We are sure that the Council will stand by us in that endeavour, as it always has. The Yemeni people themselves want to ensure that their own model is successful in overcoming the political crisis and that at the end of the transitional period there will be success.

I thank Mr. Al-Qirbi for his statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Foreign Minister of Australia. I thank Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Al Zayani for their briefings. Both are making important contributions to Yemen’s political future. I also acknowledge the contribution of United Nations Special Advisor Benomar and thank him for his briefing today. This meeting takes place at a crucial moment in Yemen’s history. Yemen has embarked on a peaceful political transition process and must be commended for doing so. Under Interim President Hadi Mansour’s leadership, Yemen has made progress with political dialogue and has undertaken important reforms in the security sector. It is important that the current spirit of inclusiveness and participation continue as a foundation for Yemen’s democratic future. We do not underestimate the challenge of identifying a new basis for national governance in the face of serious security, economic and humanitarian challenges. Continued participation in the National Dialogue by southerners who are able to speak with authority and are prepared to contribute constructively to the transition process is essential to the shaping of the nation. Outreach to and engagement with all Yemenis will be vital to ensure broad support for that future Yemen. While significant progress has been made in the National Dialogue, we note the delay to its conclusion. Any slippage in the political transition timetable must be minimized and managed effectively to avoid disengagement by any party from the transition process. There remain spoilers, both inside and outside Yemen, who wish to undermine the political process and derail Yemen’s political transition. Their actions risk Yemen’s stability and security and that of the region. It is vital that no further actions be taken to undermine the Government of National Unity or the transition. Yemen’s security risks must not be underestimated. Sectarian and tribal clashes and the activities of terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom, continue to destabilize and undermine the security of Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. We deplore the cowardly attacks this past week that took the lives of more than 40 members of Yemen’s armed forces. Such attacks underline the importance of firm resolve by Yemenis to see through a successful transition. As chair of the Council’s Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, Australia will continue to work with others, including Yemen, to address the terrorist threat. A unified and integrated armed force is also important to Yemen’s future security. Yemen’s political insecurity challenges are compounded by a dire humanitarian situation. Over 13 million people are without access to safe water and sanitation, more than 6 million are without access to health care, and more than 300,000 are internally displaced. An estimated 3 million children are malnourished. Yemen’s regional partners have an important role in helping Yemen to address the considerable political, economic and humanitarian challenges it faces. Regional support is also essential for Yemen’s successful political transition. The Gulf Cooperation Council has played an important leadership role in brokering Yemen’s political transition agreement. Long-term constructive engagement by Gulf Cooperation Council member States will remain crucial. The Friends of Yemen group plays a valuable role in fostering international coordination and information-sharing to support the Yemeni-led process of political transition and national development. It is crucial that the Security Council continues to engage actively and constructively to support the Yemeni-led political transition. We stand by the Council’s readiness to consider further measures, possibly including sanctions, against those who seek to interfere in the transition process. The Council’s engagement in Yemen has already demonstrated the value it can bring through preventive diplomacy measures. It is essential that success be translated into continued support for a democratic, stable and prosperous Yemen. I now resume my function as President of the Council. I will now give the floor to members of the Security Council.

I would like to thank you, Madam President, for having organized this meeting at such a timely juncture, as the National Dialogue Conference in Yemen is drawing to a close. I would like to thank the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, Mr. Jamal Benomar; the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Mr. Al Zayani; and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, Mr. Al-Qirbi, for their statements. Two years ago, Yemen was on the brink of civil war. Since then the Yemeni parties have shown exemplary commitment to ensuring a peaceful future for their country. They have chosen dialogue over violence and consensus over division. Remarkable progress has already been made on the path to this peaceful political transition, which responds to the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Yemeni people. Today it is necessary to redouble efforts to so as to move forward, and to make that process irreversible. We understand that the deliberations within the working groups of the National Dialogue Conference have not always been easy. There is nothing surprising about that. The examination of long-standing disputes and the establishment of a new social contract cannot be done overnight. Nevertheless, we sincerely hope that the Conference will be able to conclude over the next few weeks and that the Yemeni parties will continue to work together in a constructive manner to find fair solutions to outstanding issues. It is important, in that context, that the international community and the Security Council stand beside the Yemenis, supporting national reconciliation and recalling the provisions of resolution 2051 (2012) to anyone behind the scenes who may attempt to obstruct the process underway. Yemen must also continue on the path of economic reform. The Friends of Yemen stressed that the day before yesterday. Progress is essential in the areas of employment and combating unemployment, as well as on the issue of subsidies to the ,energy sector. It is also important that substantial reforms be undertaken to modernize the civil service. The Yemeni transition, moreover, remains seriously constrained by security threats facing the country. The recurrence of terrorist attacks against civil society, Yemeni security forces, diplomats and humanitarian workers is a real source of concern. In that area also, we must come to the aid of the Yemeni authorities. The humanitarian situation also remains very worrying, as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Valerie Amos, spoke of following her recent visit to Yemen. With one of the highest levels of child malnutrition in the world, more than 1 million children denied access to education, 13 million people  — more than half of the population  — without access to drinking water or basic sanitation, and more than 10 million people suffering from food insecurity, it is clear that solving the humanitarian crisis is indispensable for the stabilization of the country and for its economic recovery. The humanitarian needs, therefore, must not be neglected, and the economic challenges must be addressed. Otherwise, the prospects for a successful political transition could be seriously compromised. In conclusion, allow me to say a few words on the rights of the child and the problem of child soldiers. We welcome the adoption by the Government of Yemen, at the beginning of the month, of the action plan to put an end to the recruitment and the employment of children by Yemeni armed forces. Once that has been formally signed, it should be implemented as soon as possible. We also call upon the Yemeni Government to respect the commitments it has made under international law, including United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Yemen is a signatory, and to pass a law establishing a minimum age for marriage in line with international norms. Those steps are indispensable, I believe, to ensure consistency with the efforts deployed within the framework of the National Dialogue Conference with a view to modernizing and protecting human rights.

At the outset, let me thank the Australian delegation for taking the initiative to convene this meeting on the situation in Yemen. Our hope is that it will serve as an additional measure by the Council to support Yemen and the international and regional efforts to manage and overcome this sensitive and decisive period in the history of that brotherly country. We would also like to thank Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, for his comprehensive briefing on the latest results and developments, particularly those related to issues linked to the National Dialogue in Yemen. We welcome Mr. Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and thank him for his briefing on the ongoing implementation of the initiative signed on 3 April 2011. We would also like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, Mr. Al-Qirbi. In January 2011, Yemen entered a new phase, with the fear of a civil war and an uncertain future. That fear gave way to optimistic hopes, although within a setting of division, a difficult humanitarian situation and a regional climate that had seen successive turmoil. Even so, the people of Yemen demonstrated self-confidence. Despite all the challenges, the Gulf initiative and the National Dialogue have brought about positive results within the framework of a peaceful political transition, amid the challenges and obstacles that arose at various times. We welcomed the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the good offices undertaken by our brothers from the Gulf. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was the pillar of the transition leading to the framework for addressing the disputes in Yemen via constructive and frank dialogue. We welcomed resolutions Council 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012). There have been gains; no one can deny that. The United Nations clearly has played a role. Mr. Benomar, the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, has undertaken efforts to deal with the challenges and open the door to a solution, one we have reached today, which is a democratic leadership that has taken clear decisions. Civil society, particularly women and young people, are aware of that sensitive phase. The Council and the international community have supported those efforts and are determined to deal with those who would wish to see a complete failure in Yemen. Measures have been taken, and while remaining obstacles continue to impede consensus in Yemen despite the gains, the country is also facing a number of ongoing challenges, including in terms of security, proliferation of arms and armed groups, terrorism, acts of vandalism targeting economic sites, and the survival of its citizens. All of that has caused considerable damage. Yemen’s economy is in shambles and the number of refugees and internally displaced persons has increased. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees counted 46,000 in the first month of the year. The United Nations has issued repeated warnings about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, which is teetering on the precipice. Only 44 per cent of the pledges of assistance to meet the basic needs of its citizens has been honoured. However many donors have met their pledges, including the Gulf Cooperation Council and its States members. Once again, we appeal to everyone to honour their pledges and to provide further assistance. As Mr. Benomar and Mr. Al Zayani stressed, Yemen is facing a difficult period and its challenges must not be underestimated, but my country firmly believes in the capacities and abilities of its people, who have left their mark on world history. They have the ability to meet their historic responsibilities for protecting Yemen’s stability and the interests of its citizens. We will continue to support Yemen, and all efforts to ensure its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prosperity of its population.

We commend the initiative of the Australian presidency to hold this important informational meeting at a critical time in Yemen’s political transition. We thank Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Yemen, for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in Yemen and his assessment of its prospects in the coming few months. We also appreciate the presence of Mr. Abubaker A. Al-Qirbi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen and Mr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and thank them for their statements, which show the commitment on the part of both the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Republic of Yemen to the transition process that began in November 2011. Since the beginning of our membership of the Council, we witnesses the difficult road travelled by the Yemeni people. That is why we applaud the progress made to date in the National Dialogue Conference. We are confident that, notwithstanding the delays in the Conference, it will be possible to finalize all of the reports of the working groups, which will provide the basis and principles of the text of the constitution that will forge a new stage of the democratic process in Yemen. The National Dialogue Conference has also provided the people of Yemen with a historic opportunity that has opened doors to groups that have been politically and socially marginalized for decades to become involved in the future of their country. In that respect, the agreement fostered by the Gulf Cooperation Council has established the grounds for an inclusive negotiating process that have served as the basis of the new Yemen. However, we must point out that any final agreement achieved must take into account the issue of the South and the operations of armed groups. Guatemala believes that the transition in Yemen is a process. That is why it must continue beyond the time established in the transition agreement. The National Dialogue Conference has set a stage that has made it possible to reform the State and its institutions, which must be replicated within the other power structures in Yemen. The commitment made to marginalized groups, including women and young people, must also be long- term. Those groups must continue to be part of the change. We salute the spirit of inclusion promoted by Yemen during this period and hope that it will continue to serve as an example to other countries around the world. We continue to consider it important, in addition to all of the efforts undertaken to date, that general elections are to be organized and held in February 2014. Nevertheless, we are aware that the elections do not represent an end in themselves. The Yemeni people and authorities must be prepared for future challenges generated by that process. We must not lose sight of the serious security problems persisting in Yemen, including the ongoing presence of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. In that respect, we vigorously condemn the attacks of 20 September that killed more than 56 Yemeni soldiers and police officers. Those terrorist acts must not go unpunished. We hope that those acts will not interfere with the security sector reforms made to date, and that the reforms will bear fruit in the short term. It is also important that the Yemeni authorities understand that serious socioeconomic problems can be resolved only once the security situation has improved. Likewise, it is important for the Government to develop national reconciliation policies based on social development. We welcome the ministerial meeting of the group of Friends of Yemen, held on 25 September here in New York under the co-chairmanship of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Yemen. The meeting focused on the political transition, the humanitarian situation and reform of the security sector and of the economy. We reiterate the urgency of financing the humanitarian assistance programme for Yemen. It is disturbing that, of the $703 million necessary to provide for the basic needs of the Yemeni community, only 44 per cent has been collected. Yemen is a country that is facing multiple and concurrent humanitarian crises. That is why it so urgently requires that assistance. The number of displaced persons, the stalled economy and the destruction of infrastructure represent only some of the challenges facing the Yemeni people daily. In conclusion, Guatemala is confident that the Yemeni authorities will continue to progress on the path of democracy and to implement policies to alleviate the major social and humanitarian problems facing its people.

First of all, I would like to express our thanks to the Australian presidency for convening the meeting. We are also grateful to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, my good friend Mr. Abubaker A. Al-Qirbi; the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, my good friend Mr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani; and the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Yemen, Mr. Jamal Benomar, for their participation in this meeting and insightful briefings. Over the past few years, Yemen has undergone remarkable political and societal changes. Its achievements in forging national reconciliation and dialogue are exemplary in the context of the recent transformational developments in the broader Middle East region. The country and its people deserve the highest credit for the determination and perseverance they have so far demonstrated towards fulfilling the tasks of the transition process. The commencement and conduct of the National Dialogue Conference, in accordance with the defined timetable by the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, have been indispensable for the Yemeni transition process. Despite the reoccurring controversies and the contentious issues, keeping up with the established schedule of the National Dialogue and its objectives is imperative for achieving the expected results. Irrespective of the pitfalls, it is essential that all political forces and groups continue their participation in the Dialogue and contribute to its important work. No attempts to interfere with the transition should be tolerated, and the relevant actors must be aware of their responsibilities. Among the other tasks of the transition process, drafting a new constitution and conducting general elections in 2014, as stipulated by the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, are the most important ones that are contingent upon the outcome of the National Dialogue. Domestic security is a high priority. Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in the country remains acute. We are concerned over the new reports on terrorist acts that have taken the lives of dozens of people. Such instances should not be allowed to recur, and the perpetrators must be brought to account. The humanitarian and economic situation is also a serious challenge that requires continued support by the international community and donors to the Government’s efforts. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the maintenance of peace and political stability in Yemen, which might be possible through concerted and stalwart efforts aimed at fulfilling the aforementioned transition objectives and achieving national reconciliation. We once again reiterate our full support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Yemen. The country is now at a critical juncture in solidifying its achievements and furthering the greater political objective of building a democratic and all-inclusive State. Continued international support is, therefore, absolutely necessary to help Yemen through this responsible phase in its history.

As is reflected in our gathering today, the United Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the international community as a whole have all played important leadership roles in support of Yemen’s critical transition period. I would also like to recognize Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi, Foreign Minister Bishop, who has now left the Chamber, Secretary General Al Zayani and other leaders who are here. My delegation has appreciated the chance to engage, during the current week, with the various actors mentioned and to listen to their views in the Chamber today. The United States shares many of the aspirations that they have expressed. We firmly support Yemen’s transitional process, including the National Dialogue and the confidence-building measures undertaken by President Mansour. We join with Yemen’s regional and global partners in standing behind Yemen’s efforts to strengthen the country’s political stability, security, unity and development. And, of course, we are aware of the many challenges to Yemen’s internal peace and economic progress, but we share the determination expressed by many here today to continue our efforts in coordination with Yemen’s friends to build on the important forward steps that have been taken. As Special Adviser Benomar pointed out in April, “The National Dialogue Conference has opened a new chapter in the transition for which Yemenis are now writing their own pages. Groups which only a year ago were engaged in armed clashes are now gathering in the same hall to discuss a common future for their country.” Given the nature of past grievances and the scope of current challenges, it is proving very difficult to do a variety of things, namely, to decide on the structure of the State with a view to resolving deep-seated regional grievances, to consider the question of accountability for past violations and, at the most basic level, to meet humanitarian and social needs. My Government was pleased to note the substantive discussions within the Dialogue’s working groups, as well as vigorous efforts aimed at outreach that have been undertaken and the inclusion of women, which has been referred to in the Chamber several times today, as well as of men, from all parts of the country, into the process. In recognition of the historic nature of this moment, our shared objective now should be to ensure that the outcomes of the National Dialogue are translated into a new constitution and legislative agenda and explained to the Yemeni people. We need to work together to ensure that the electoral commission updates the voter registry, organizes the constitutional referendum and prepares for important national elections early next year. We urge the Yemeni Government to produce a detailed plan and budget for the elections process to help donors identify resource gaps. My Government also continues to support President Mansour’s efforts to restructure Yemen’s military and security services, including the decrees he has issued to outline a new brigade structure and to otherwise professionalize and enhance the capabilities of the armed forces. We encourage the Government to maintain and expand its efforts to implement that essential aspect of the Transition Agreement. We all know how important security is, as the foundation for all else. In addition, we strongly commend the President and his Government for the leadership they have shown in countering the threats posed by violent extremist groups. We join with others in condemning recent attacks, including the vicious assault on Shabwa on 20 September that killed and wounded dozens of soldiers who were simply there to do their jobs. Yemen is determined to build a better and more stable future for its people; terrorists will not be able to stand in the way of that landmark initiative. In Yemen, as elsewhere, open and constructive policy debate should be welcome, but efforts to divide and destroy through violence must be resolutely opposed. Looking ahead, we are encouraged by the commitment shown by the United Nations, the GCC and other partners to support Yemen during this pivotal period. It is essential that the transition remain on track and that progress also be made in implementing economic reforms, fighting corruption and strengthening governance, which is, of course, also foundational, as is security. I emphasize as well the persistence of food insecurity and other urgent and dire humanitarian needs within the country. The United Nations response plan for Yemen remains severely underfunded; it is critical that countries who have pledged deliver on their pledges and do everything necessary to see that basic requirements are met. The United States has provided over $320 million over the past three years in support of the United Nations appeal. Ultimately, the success or failure of the transition depends on the choices made by Yemen, by Yemen’s Government and by Yemen’s people. That is appropriate, and it is a challenge for all of us to work as diligently as we can to attain the goal we all seek: a Yemen that is stable, confident, at peace with itself and its neighbours, and moving in the right political and economic direction. In closing, I’d like again to commend the leadership being demonstrated by President Mansour and his Government, by Special Adviser Benomar and by the members of the GCC. In this joint effort of extraordinary importance, the United States remains ready and willing to do its part.

We welcome the initiative of the Australian presidency to organize this high-level meeting of the Security Council on Yemen. We highly appreciate the detailed and insightful briefing provided by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Yemen, Mr. Jamal Benomar. The presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abubaker Al-Qirbi, in the Chamber today is a sign of the Government of National Unity’s continued resolve to complete the transition process. We also thank the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Mr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, for his statement. Yemen has walked back from the precipice. A couple of years ago, the Government and people of Yemen were at a crossroads. They decided to shun violence and walk the difficult, rocky and sometimes arduous path of dialogue and engagement. Regional efforts, steered by the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the good offices of the Secretary-General, ably led by Mr. Benomar, notwithstanding, it is primarily the Yemenis themselves who deserve full credit. Pakistan enjoys deep historical cultural and religious ties with the people of Yemen. The peace, stability and prosperity of Yemen is dear to us. We hope that full implementation of the GCC initiative will lead to the normalization of conditions in that country. The continued support of the international community for that endeavour is therefore crucial. That, however, does not mean that the international community should micromanage Yemeni affairs. Respect for Yemen’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity should remain paramount in the Council’s deliberations. Yemen is in the final phases of an inclusive National Dialogue, unprecedented in its history and groundbreaking for the entire region. We understand that the process has been delayed by a few weeks. We urge all Yemenis to continue working in a spirit of compromise and cooperation, and to conclude the process expeditiously. While we appreciate the efforts of President Mansour’s Government, including the recently announced formal apology to the South for transgressions during the conflict of 1994, a number of hurdles must still be overcome. The issue of the South and the economic and humanitarian situation must be handled skilfully and effectively. Those issues have the potential to derail the entire process. We also appreciate the special attention President Mansour has given to the question of the South. We condemn the violence that led to the killing of scores of Yemeni security personnel last week, and offer our sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Yemen. We welcome President Mansour’s resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism. The Security Council’s active engagement in Yemen, and its unity on the issue, has had a positive impact on the ground. Resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012) and other Council pronouncements have helped to deter the activities of spoilers. We hope that the Council’s positive contribution will continue. Yemen’s economic and humanitarian needs require urgent attention, as my colleagues have pointed out. We welcome the meeting of the Friends of Yemen held in New York earlier this week and hope that pledges made at the Riyadh donors’ conference and at the various meetings of the Friends of Yemen will be fulfilled in a timely manner. Pakistan believes that the Dialogue process should lead to the framing of a new constitution, a referendum and elections. Meeting some deadlines, of which the most important is that for the elections in 2014, is therefore imperative. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Pakistan’s full support for the Government and people of Yemen in their efforts aimed at national reconciliation and political transition.

I would like to begin by thanking Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs for convening this important meeting as the National Dialogue in Yemen draws to a close. The United Kingdom also thanks its friends  — Special Adviser Benomar, Secretary General Al Zayani and Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi — for their assessments, and assures them that in response to all their remarkable efforts the United Kingdom and the international community remain deeply committed to the success of the country’s transition. I was able to see the progress that is being made in person, when I visited Sana’a once again earlier this month. My discussions with President Mansour reaffirmed the importance of the work of the United Nations and the supporters of the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in support of Yemeni reconciliation through an inclusive, peaceful, transparent, constructive and conciliatory dialogue. I was impressed by President Mansour’s determination to improve the security and economic situation in Yemen, and His Excellency deserves all our support. I was similarly impressed by the energy and determination demonstrated by other parties to the National Dialogue, with whom I and the United Kingdom have also been in contact. So we are pleased to hear that a conclusion to the National Dialogue is close, with nearly all the nine working groups ready to submit their reports. We would urge all the participants to work together constructively to find solutions to the remaining questions. If I may pick up on one particular point made by the Special Adviser, it is that the National Dialogue was never intended to provide every conceivable answer to every available question. An agreement on a set of principles for any outstanding issues would represent reasonable progress if a fully negotiated settlement is not achievable at this stage. A framework for the future would indeed represent success. The National Dialogue, of course, is just one piece in a much bigger picture of political, economic and security reform. On the economy, the Friends of Yemen ministerial meeting on Wednesday underlined the important steps that the Government of Yemen has taken on establishing the mutual accountability framework policy commitments and pushing through energy sector reform. But delivery on those commitments, and further disbursement of donor pledges, is crucial if the political solutions are to be sustainable and the lives of the people of Yemen improved. I look forward to seeing progress on the development of a supreme national authority for combating corruption, fuel subsidy reform, implementation of proposals to remove ghost workers and efforts to tackle youth unemployment. Accelerating progress on aid disbursements must be a priority for all international partners. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains critical. Baroness Amos’s recent visit highlighted again the acute nature of the situation, with more than 10 million people, almost half the country’s population, suffering from food insecurity. Child malnutrition rates are among the highest in the world. Substantial humanitarian need will persist in Yemen for some years to come. The United Kingdom remains a committed donor of humanitarian aid, and we have increased our contribution to £70 million over the next two years. It is essential that the United Nations deliver as one in-country. Humanitarian needs must not be neglected, and the economic challenges must be addressed, or the prospects for a successful political transition process could be severely undermined. Looking ahead to 2014, the international community must continue to work together to support the Government of Yemen in the transitional period and beyond. The Security Council’s focus and continued monitoring will be important. Spoilers cannot be allowed to derail the transition. Embedding National Dialogue decisions and supporting implementation will be crucial. The continued attention of the Secretary- General, the senior team, the GCC and the diplomatic community in Sana’a will be vital to success, as indeed will the support of all of us here. Finally, in the midst of a difficult region, the Security Council, as has been evident from a number of comments made this afternoon, does not minimize the achievements that the leaders and people of Yemen have made to date in reaching their current position. Difficulties have already been overcome, though a tough further period remains. In remaining committed, we honour what has been achieved, demonstrate our support for fresh opportunities for the men, women, young people and children of Yemen, and manifest our hope that Yemen will produce its own pathway for the future, along which we will be sure to walk with them.

I appreciate Australia’s hosting of today’s meeting and thank Special Adviser Benomar for his briefing. We also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi and Secretary General Al Zayani. We have listened carefully to their statements and thank them for their valuable contribution to this meeting of the Council. Despite the high expectations of the international community, the National Dialogue Conference was not completed as scheduled, after all. Nevertheless, that does not change the fact that the National Dialogue has achieved meaningful progress on a number of important issues and is nearing a successful conclusion with a long-awaited final outcome, leaving behind many difficulties. Nor does it change the fact that Yemen is a rare example for the region as it transparently implements a political transition plan conceived through peaceful negotiations. In that regard, the Republic of Korea recognizes and commends the progress made so far by all the working groups of the National Dialogue Conference, including the Sa’ada working group. We strongly support the leadership of President Mansour, and warn all potential spoilers that they should show restraint. We also commend the good offices of the Secretary-General and Mr. Benomar’s tireless efforts to use them to advance the process. The Security Council has paid steadfast and major attention to Yemen’s situation during the past several months and has invested sincere effort in its future. The ultimate success of the National Dialogue process, to be followed by the next phases, of drafting a constitution and holding a referendum and elections, is therefore important to the Security Council, and the ongoing process in Yemen has significant implications for the relevance of its efforts. The Republic of Korea believes that, in the process of nation-building, creating a national consensus through inclusive political discourse is much more important than meeting deadlines. However, the transition time frame cannot remain open-ended indefinitely. We therefore call on all parties in Yemen to work patiently and persistently towards a final agreement and its full implementation without losing precious momentum. The people of Yemen should devise their own formula to translate the federalism agreement into a political reality and swiftly move on to the next stage of creating a new constitution. The most critical prerequisite for a peaceful transition into democracy is ensuring security. In that regard, we are deeply concerned at the current security situation, which is highlighted by tribal sectarian pressures in Amran province and Ibb province this month and the simultaneous attacks by suspected Al-Qaida militants on soldiers and policemen a week ago. The Republic of Korea condemns terrorism in all its forms and is also concerned with kidnappings for ransom and attacks on embassies and diplomats. We strongly request the Government of Yemen to ensure the safety of diplomats.We also have serious concerns about the Government of Yemen report from earlier this year on the alleged transport of arms from Iran. Illicit arms transports can destabilize Yemen’s political transition and undermine regional stability. At the Friends of Yemen conference two days ago, the participants reviewed the political, economic and security sectors and discussed ways to assist Yemen. The conference noted that Yemen is still experiencing difficulties, especially on the humanitarian and economic fronts. As for the Republic of Korea, we pledged $2 million in an effort to assist Yemen. We hope that the people of Yemen will continue to stay on the course of peaceful transition and reconciliation so that at the end of the day they can be a proud model of success for other countries in turmoil.

Mr. President, let me begin by thanking you and your delegation for organizing today’s meeting. I would also like to extend my thanks to Mr. Jamal Benomar and Mr. Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani for their statements and recognize the important contribution of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, Mr. Abubaker A. Al-Qirbi. On 6 August, during our presidency of the Council, Argentina organized an open debate to highlight cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security (S/PV.7015). We have no doubts that the critical role played by the Gulf Cooperation Council in achieving an agreement establishing the basis for a negotiated political transition in Yemen offers one of the best examples of the responsible and timely involvement of a subregional organization in the prevention of a regional conflict. It was model for the peaceful transfer of power, unique in the Arab Spring developments. At a time when there was a real possibility of a return to violence, the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, with the decisive support of the Security Council, defined a comprehensive road map with specific deadlines to move towards democratic transition by holding a National Dialogue Conference, the preparation of a new constitutional framework and the holding of elections at the beginning of the following year. Today’s meeting of the Security Council is taking place at a critical juncture on that path. Over the next few days, the National Dialogue should adopt the recommendations of the working groups and the outcome document that will both reflect the discussions of the past six months and feed into the drafting of the new constitution. All parties must demonstrate the greatest flexibility to achieve that result. The goals were ambitious for Yemen and would be for any country in the world. Over the course of just a few months, the political and social leaders in Yemen had to reopen discussion on the very foundation of the new State with great inclusiveness. We are therefore not surprised that throughout the process there have been difficulties and challenges commensurate with what is at stake. Success is not assured but there is certainly an effort to find a consensus that we hope will be maintained in the final phase of the National Dialogue. The Government of President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour has taken important steps forward for the purposes of creating a favourable environment for advancing the transition. Although a lot remains to be done in terms of the transitional democracy, the specific measures designed to respond to the historic demands of the south have been as courageous as they are necessary to bring about trust and maintain the commitments of the various players in the process. Just as relevant have been the measures relating to the reorganization and restructuring of the army with a view to creating a security force that is professional under a unified civilian command. Those reforms, which have not yet been concluded, are not only important for a successful transition from a political point of view, they are also central to effectively dealing with the precarious security situation that the country is experiencing, including with the persistent daily threat of Al-Qaida on the Arabian Peninsula. The political progress has been important, and we must recognize it. But we must not forget that the men, women and young children who went out onto the streets in Sana’a at the beginning of 2011 were not only calling for greater participation in the decision-making process, but they were also asking for full participation in the economic and social life of their country. We therefore believe that the viability of the transition will depend on the capacity and the swiftness with which the political consensus can be translated into a tangible improvement in the lives of Yemenis. We feel that the degree of political support for the political system in the next few months will depend to a large extent on how much the aspirations for social inclusiveness have been met. Like many economies in the Arab world, Yemen is clearly suffering from the uncertainty and instability that has been experienced by the country over the last 13 years. When it comes to Yemen, the new difficulties are coming about in the light of a prior serious humanitarian situation that is affecting over half of the Yemeni population, with the potential to undermine the transition process. Therefore, Yemen’s sustainable economic development is not only a humanitarian imperative, it is also a moral obligation. Above all, it is a matter of political urgency. We therefore salute the support of the international community for the Government of Yemen in its efforts to deal with its economy in the long term. The meeting of the Friends of Yemen that was held two days ago shows that it continues to be a relevant forum for the coordination of international aid for achieving the economic potential of the country. Once again, we hope that the promises of contributions that had been made at the Group of Friends’ successive meetings will soon be fulfilled and translated into projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of Yemenis. Under the leadership of the Government of President Hadi Mansour, the people of Yemen have made significant progress towards realizing the vision of a new State that can fulfil its aspirations for inclusion, participation and dignity. The next months will be critical for producing a stable, prosperous Yemen, and the international community, including the Security Council and United Nations agencies working in the country, should be prepared to support the efforts aimed at meeting those goals in the framework of the priorities defined by the Yemenis themselves and with due respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

We thank Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, for his briefing, as well as Mr. Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Mr. Abubaker A. Al-Qirbi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, for their statements. The process of political settlement in Yemen is in a crucial phase. The National Dialogue Conference is close to completion and is meant to lay the basis for addressing the country’s political, social and economic challenges. It is a lengthy and difficult process, but it is important that it is being carried out by the Yemenis themselves through substantive negotiations and consensus-building. On balance, it is adhering to the timetable set forth in the implementation mechanism of the Riyadh agreements. We support President Mansour’s efforts to bring about broad reform of Yemeni society. We call on all Yemenis to assist in these efforts and to do their utmost to prevent any recurrence of civil confrontation. Together with political assistance, measures need to be taken to provide the country with effective social and economic assistance. The priorities should be determined by the Yemeni Government itself based on the priority requirements of the reform agenda. Interference in internal affairs is unacceptable and the primary responsibility for improving the socioeconomic situation in the country lies with the Yemenis themselves. One cannot say that the political process and comprehensive reforms have been successful while Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and the affiliated Ansar al-Sharia are operating in the country and efforts to sabotage infrastructure sites and attacks against Government representatives continue. We are disturbed by the spate of attacks perpetrated by terrorists against military and police in the province of Shabwa on 21 September. All such manifestations and threats must be fought relentlessly. In conclusion, we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser, Mr. Benomar, in seeking compromises between representatives from across the Yemeni political spectrum. We also thank the humanitarian agencies of the United Nations system for their assistance in addressing the complex social and economic challenges of the country. It is important that the collective efforts of the Yemenis and the world community bear fruit. Despite the challenges, the country has been able to avoid sliding into full-scale confrontation. Overall, civil peace has been upheld in areas of ethnic and religious diversity. Yemen has provided an example of how domestic crises can be overcome through the National Dialogue and diplomacy with reasonable outside assistance. For its part, Russia will continue to provide the Yemeni people the assistance they need in the political transformation process and in addressing the critical economic, social and humanitarian challenges.

At the outset, I would like to thank your country, Sir, for having organized today’s meeting and to welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen and of the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Their presence here today demonstrates the importance they attach to the future of Yemen. I also wish to thank them for their statements. I would also link to thank the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Yemen for his strident and informative briefing on the situation in the country. This public debate is taking place at a time when the situation in Yemen gives us grounds for hope — hope based on the continuation of the work of the National Dialogue Conference — but also remains a cause for concern, with regard to the security, humanitarian and other situations. With regard to the National Dialogue, we commend the Yemeni authorities, civil society organizations and other political actors for their perseverance in staying the course of constructive dialogue aimed at reconciliation and rebuilding a new, united Yemen, resolutely focused on development. We have been encouraged by President Mansour’s frequent assurances that great leaps forward have been made towards a new Yemen, in which justice, order and freedom will reign. We welcome the genuine progress that has been made thanks to the sustained efforts of the Secretary- General and his Special Adviser on Yemen, which have brought a great number of Yemenis into the dialogue process. That allowed for inclusive and constructive discussions to be held during the second session of the National Dialogue Conference in June. We note that the Dialogue has dealt with 90 per cent of its agenda and already has a number of agreements under its belt, which was no easy task given the upheaval that the country has recently experienced. We hope that the numerous issues that have emerged and the proposed solutions will be taken into account in the new Constitution, the adoption of which should lead to the holding of elections, planned, in principle, for February 2014. We welcome in particular the fact that one of the crucial issues of the Dialogue — what form the State should take — has been resolved with the choice of a unified, federal and democratic Yemen. It is crucial for the Yemenis to deal with the unresolved issues in the same spirit of reconciliation in order to complete the process they have begun. On the security front, Yemen continues to face the threats of terrorism. Armed groups are creating a permanent climate of insecurity, with a genuine resolve to sabotage the reconciliation process and plunge the country back into chaos. The numerous terrorist attacks against the military forces and security forces in the South over recent months are part of this deadly destabilization strategy. Togo firmly condemns those terrorist attacks and other acts of aggression against the population and oil, electricity and gas infrastructure. We are sure that the determination of Yemenis who so long for peace will allow them to overcome these forces of evil. In that regard, we call on all parts of Yemeni society, in particular the civilian, military, religious and secular sectors, to set aside their differences so as to bring the national reconciliation process to a harmonious conclusion. We would like to commend President Mansour in particular for the various efforts he has undertaken in implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, in keeping with resolution 2014 (2011). The restructuring of the military hierarchy and the reintegration of retired military officers and personnel have made a positive contribution to keeping the social and political peace. On the humanitarian front, calls have been made regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and a number of United Nations agencies. It is therefore not unfounded to fear that any deterioration of the humanitarian situation would destabilize the country and seriously compromise the progress that has been made in the area of political stability. It is therefore a matter of urgency for the international community to do more to help humanitarian agencies to meet the needs of refugees and the Yemeni population. We would like to commend various countries and organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their support to Yemen. We hope that the friends of Yemen will take further initiatives as they did in March 2013 in London to help the Yemeni population in difficulty.

I would like to thank Special Adviser Benomar for his briefing today. The Chinese delegation listened with great interest to the statements made by Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi and Secretary General Al Zayani of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Since the launch of the National Dialogue last March, thanks to the hard work of the Government and people of Yemen and the broad support from the international community, the political process in Yemen has made steady progress. The National Dialogue is making headway. The Supreme Commission for Election and Referendum is making preparations for a new constitution and general elections. The restricting of the armed forces is forging ahead in an orderly fashion. Active measures have been taken to implement the priority plan for economic and social reconstruction. China welcomes these developments. At the same time, the economic situation of Yemen remains bleak and the security situation volatile. The political transition process is still facing some challenges. National reconciliation remains a daunting task. Given the current situation, we hope that all stakeholders in Yemen and the nation as a whole will move towards the long-term interests of the country, preserve unity, effectively apply the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanisms, resolve political differences through dialogue and consultations, and continuously promote the national political process and national reconciliation. China appreciates the good offices of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Yemen and supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser, Mr. Benomar, in assisting Yemen to press ahead with the political process. At the ministerial meeting of the Friends of Yemen group, held recently in New York, a consensus was reached to continue to support the Yemeni Government in its political, economic and security sector reforms. China welcomes this consensus and hopes that the international community will take this opportunity to make full use of the United Nations and the Friends of Yemen mechanism and enhance coordination and synergy in order to promote the political process in Yemen. During this transition process, the international community must fully respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and the right of the people of Yemen to choose their own path of national development. Over the years, China has rendered continuous support to the Yemeni Government in its efforts to promote political and social reforms in the country in order to help Yemen achieve economic and social development and improve the country’s humanitarian situation. China has provided assistance within the scope of its means, including a total of ¥325 million in economic assistance and over ¥30 million in humanitarian assistance. We will further scale up our assistance to Yemen. We also call on the international community to make good on its commitments and help Yemen speed up the pace of economic recovery.

Let me start by commending the Australian presidency for having organized this important high-level meeting on Yemen on the margins of the general debate of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. I would like to thank Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Yemen, for his informative briefing and for his personal dedication to a successful transition in that country for almost 30 months now. I also thank Mr. Abubaker A. Al-Qirbi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, and Mr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for their insightful presentations. As we expect the conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference in the first week of next month, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for the progress that has been made since March. We are happy to hear that six of the nine working groups have completed their work, and we take note of the efforts undertaken to ensure the inclusiveness of the process and the decision to mainstream the concerns of women, youth and marginalized communities throughout the work of the Conference. Rwanda further welcomes the establishment of a commission to consider and address land issues and a commission on the forcibly dismissed employees of southern Yemen as a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to addressing long-standing grievances and to create confidence. It is in the same vein that we command President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour for his decree reinstating 795 army and security officers who were forced into retirement after the 1994 civil war in a major step towards resolving the grievances of the southerners. We also welcome the Government’s formal apology to the people in the south and the east and the Houthis for the wars against them under the former Government. This positive gesture by the current Government is commendable, since it is aimed at encouraging people from these regions to resolve their grievances through a political settlement. Rwanda is deeply concerned by increasing terrorist activities of Al-Qaida and its henchmen in the Middle East and in Africa. As we mourn the terrorist attacks of last Saturday committed by Al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabaab in a shopping mall in Nairobi, we remember that only one day before that attack, Al-Qaida in the Arabian peninsula had committed a terrorist attack against brave Yemeni army officers and policemen. We also condemn the persistent sabotage activities, which mainly target electricity, pipelines, or gas infrastructure, and the kidnappings. These criminals acts have contributed to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, and my delegation calls upon all the spoilers who intend to undermine the efforts of the Government towards a democratic and reconciled Yemen to cease all forms of violence and join the political process. We stress that the perpetrators of these crimes will be held accountable. My delegation expresses concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. As indicated on Friday by Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos, who visited Yemen on 12 September, 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, 10 million are food insecure, 7 million are in critical water situations, 6 million are without health services, and more than 250,000 are affected by severe, acute malnutrition. These figures show us how the humanitarian situation in Yemen is critical, particularly as we know that the humanitarian consolidated appeal of 2013 remains underfunded, at just 43 per cent. We therefore urge the donor community to honour the commitments pledged during various meetings of the Friends of Yemen, and we call for further humanitarian assistance for Yemen, including by providing financial support to the Yemen humanitarian response plan for 2013. To conclude, I would recall that, despite real challenges, the political transition in Yemen is undoubtedly a model for the region, following the wave of popular uprisings in the Middle East during the Arab Spring. Yemen did not become Libya or Syria, and for that we need to commend the people and leadership of Yemen for their political maturity. We cannot forget to recognize the important role played by the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Security Council, which visited Yemen in February, and the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General in that regard. Rwanda stands ready to continue supporting her sister country of Yemen to achieve success through the current political transition.

I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for their statements. Their joint presence in the Council shows that the method we have followed in Yemen was the right one. The United Nations has worked with the relevant regional organization — the Gulf Cooperation Council  — to set in motion a process to respond the legitimate demands of the Yemeni population. This process shows that, in situations of open crisis, the establishment of an orderly, peaceful and democratic transition is possible. Indeed, the Yemeni transition, implemented under the auspices of President Hadi Mansour, to whom we reiterate our full support, provides a model to the world in these troubled times. It is emblematic above all because of the commitment of Yemenis themselves, who have achieved significant progress in implementing resolution 2014 (2011). We welcome the progress of the National Dialogue Conference, which was launched on 18 March and provides an opportunity for all stakeholders in Yemen, in particular the youth and civil society, to achieve national reconciliation. We welcome the pledges of good will from the parties involved, such as the formal apology made by President Hadi Mansour for the clashes of the past, in which all Yemenis suffered. France urges all the parties to maintain their commitment in a spirit of constructive vision in order to continue the political transition by the earliest deadlines set out. Recent difficulties have caused a delay, as we all know, in the conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference, which had been scheduled for 18 September. It is the responsibility of all Yemenis to resolve the last issues under discussion in the working groups concerned, including on the administrative and territorial organization of the country. This should, in any event, include respect for the principles of the territorial integrity and unity of Yemen and establish a distribution of powers that does not impede the prospects for economic development. In order to strengthen the second phase of the Yemeni transition, it is also urgent to make progress in other areas, in particular on the restructuring of the security forces, on economic reforms and on the humanitarian situation. The restructuring of the security and defence forces is indeed a priority area in view of the magnitude of the security challenges facing Yemen. France reiterates its strongest condemnation of all acts of terrorism, regardless of the justification. It is necessary in this connection for the Yemeni Government to deploy adequate means to protect not only the people, as its top priority, but also industrial facilities, the repeated sabotage of which deprives the country of its own resources and discourages investors. This is a major challenge to the country’s economic and social development. Whatever institutions the Yemenis choose to establish in the months to come, it is up to the Yemeni authorities to undertake the economic, social and political reforms necessary to a balanced development of the country and good institutional governance. Indeed, without a legal environment conducive to the growth of the economy and guarantees for the establishment of the rule of law, there can be no development in Yemen in the long-term. France welcomes the cooperation of the Yemeni authorities with the Human Rights Council, and their resolve to make progress with respect to the rights and freedoms of individuals. However, the question of women’s rights, forced marriages in particular, and the application of the death penalty, including to minors, continue to concern us. The Yemeni authorities should pay special attention to the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation. As Ms. Amos stressed again in New York at the meeting of the Friends of Yemen, the country must address the critical humanitarian situation, which could affect its stability if it were to continue. Half the population lives below the poverty line, 13 million people require humanitarian assistance, and migrants and refugees entered the system by the tens of thousands in 2013. The United Nations emergency humanitarian programme does not have sufficient funds to deal with this alarming situation. The international community cannot remain indifferent. In that context France, a guarantor of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, fully supports this iconic and peaceful political transition. We sought it assiduously and we contribute to it by taking part in the stabilization of the country in all fields. We stress its centrality and insist on respect for the stages of transition leading to the convening of elections as close as possible to the deadlines that have been set. France has therefore dispatched a constitutional expert to the National Dialogue Conference to support the drafting of the new constitution. Such a framework will open the possibility of consolidating development activities in the country. We are ready, as we confirmed to the Friends of Yemen conference held on Wednesday, to participate through the investment of our businesses, by providing our expertise when it responds to needs defined by the Yemenis themselves, and through our cooperation and development projects, including for the electrification of Yemen. My country and the Council therefore remain firmly alongside the Yemeni authorities at this historic moment, when we have the opportunity to meet together the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Yemeni people.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. Again, I especially thank Foreign Minister Al-Qirbi, Secretary General Al Zayani, Special Adviser Benomar and all other high- level participants for their participation this afternoon. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.