S/PV.7382 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2015/116, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Angola, Chad, France, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2201 (2015). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the vote.

Jordan welcomes the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2201 (2015), which we submitted along with the United Kingdom and which reflects our eagerness to restore security and stability in Yemen as soon as possible. The development of events in Yemen has created a massive political and security vacuum and an accelerated deterioration of the situation therein. We are concerned that the continuation of this situation without the engagement of the international community and the Security Council will have a dire outcome, not only at the local level in Yemen but also in the entire region. Therefore, the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Council today reflects the unity of the Council in addressing developments in Yemen and conveys a significant message that should be taken seriously by all Yemeni parties. The Council has condemned the acts of the Houthis, inter alia, the seizure of Government institutions and the dissolution of the legislative authority represented by the Parliament. They are also obliged to immediately engage in good faith in the United Nations-brokered negotiations; to withdraw their forces from Government institutions, including in the capital, Sana’a; to normalize the security situation in the capital and other provinces; to relinquish Government and security institutions; to release to safety President Hadi Mansour, Prime Minister Khaled Bahah, members of his Cabinet and all individuals under house arrest or arbitrarily detained; and to refrain from further unilateral actions that could undetmine the political process in Yemen. We reiterate today the centrality and significance of a peaceful, inclusive and political transition process that would involve all parties in Yemen, in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and the Peace and Partnership Agreement, which all constitute a genuine basis for ensuring the security and stability of Yemen with a view to finalizing and adopting the draft constitution, reforming the electoral system and holding the general elections afterwards. In this context, we stress the central and significant role of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, Mr. Jamal Benomar, in promoting a convergence of views, brokering the peaceful transition in Yemen and coordinating the assistance extended by the international community to support the political transition process. The coming period in Yemen will be crucial and sensitive, as the country is at a crossroads that requires the international community in general, and the Security Council in particular, to carry out the responsibilities assigned to us in order to help the Yemeni people to move forward on the path of peace, security and stability. In conclusion, I should like to express my appreciation to the States members of the Security Council that have demonstrated their readiness and resolve to prevent Yemen from sliding into the abyss and have heeded Jordan’s repeated requests to play their expected role promptly and unequivocally. We also commend them for assuming their responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and for their response to the concerns of the countries of the GCC, as well as for their consideration of the potential political and security repercussions for the entire region if the situation in Yemen were to further deteriorate, thereby giving terrorism and extremism a greater opportunity to further expand, seize more territory, propagate its violence more broadly and threaten the Middle East, in particular the neighbouring countries of the Gulf. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2201 (2015). It was clear at the open briefing earlier this week (see S/PV.7381) that the world was waiting for a powerful message from the Security Council in response to recent developments in Yemen. Today, we have made clear that those who use violence and intimidation to try to dictate Yemen’s future are undermining the security of all Yemeni citizens and eroding the political progress made since 2011. The Houthis must take responsibility for their actions and stop using violence and coercion as political tools. They must ensure the immediate and safe release of President Hadi Mansour, Prime Minister Bahah and members of the Cabinet from house arrest. There can be no doubt that the principles underlying the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative, the National Dialogue and last September’s Peace and National Partnership Agreement are the only legitimate road map for Yemen’s transition. The Council has sent a clear message today that all parties in Yemen, and especially the Houthis, need to pull back from the brink and implement these commitments on a swift and inclusive basis. I would like to express my appreciation for the continued work of the Special Adviser to the Secretary- General, Mr. Jamal Benomar, and call on the Houthis and on all parties to engage in good faith in United Nations-brokered negotiations. The Council has once again spoken in one voice and delivered a strong and unified message. I would like to thank Jordan and all delegations for their support and flexibility in agreeing this important resolution. I am particularly grateful for the close and productive consultations that Jordan and the United Kingdom have enjoyed with the GCC. Their leadership on this issue so close to their borders is critically important.

The United States is pleased to support the adoption of a Security Council resolution that sends a clear message. All parties in Yemen, especially the Houthi, must commit to resolving the country’s political crisis by consensus through a peaceful and inclusive dialogue. Today, the Council deplores unilateral attempts by the Houthi to take over Government institutions and to dissolve Parliament by force, and the Council reaffirms the road map for implementing Yemen’s transition provided by the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism and the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference. The people of Yemen deserve a clear path back to the political transition process and a legitimate Government based on these agreements and the resolutions of the Council with a publicly announced timeline and specific dates for the completion of a new constitution, a constitutional referendum and national elections. We continue to strongly support the efforts of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, Mr. Jamal Benomar, to mediate a consensus solution to this political crisis — a process vital to defusing tensions on the ground. We also underscore the Security Council’s demand for the Houthi to release President Hadi Mansour, Prime Minister Bahah and other members of the Cabinet from house arrest immediately. Their continued detention is unacceptable, and they must be granted full freedom of movement. We strongly condemn the use of force against peaceful protesters in Ibb on 14 February. The United States will continue supporting all Yemenis who are working toward a peaceful, prosperous and unified Yemen.

The Russian Federation supported the adoption today of resolution 2201 (2015), which encourages all parties in Yemen to pursue dialogue, intensify their efforts to resolve the political crisis, and strive to implement the arrangements reached in the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism and the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement. The resolution urges all parties to agree upon and announce publicly dates for completing the constitutional consultation process, to hold a referendum on the constitution, and to conduct elections. It is clear that the use of unilateral force will be counterproductive to efforts to advance the political process and only further exacerbate the crisis. Such actions must be avoided, as categorically demanded in the resolution, which gives them due attention. We support the steps taken by the parties, with the assistence of the Special Adviser of the Secretary- General, Mr. Benomar, to find a formula for a long- term and sustainable settlement in Yemen that would meet the interests of all the inhabitants of the country. It is important that the parties honour their commitments under the agreements reached. The Russian Federation insists that the leading political forces in Yemen pursue constructive dialogue on the internal political agenda and on issues related to drafting a formula for State governance. That is particularly relevant in the light of the growing terrorist threat to the region, the country and the territorial integrity of Yemen.

France thanks the United Kingdom and Jordan for having prepared resolution 2201 (2015). We are pleased that, with the constructive engagement of Council members, the text could be negotiated quickly and unanimously adopted. We believe, indeed, that the very difficult circumstances currently facing Yemen necessitated the expression by the Council of at least three messages. The first is that of the full ability of the Council to act in unision in support of the Yemeni transition. Between 2011 and 2014, in a turbulent regional environment, Yemen demonstrated its exemplary ability to conduct a peaceful and orderly incremental transition to democracy, with the support of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Security Council. Since July 2014, this positive momentum has been reversed to an alarming extent. While the transition was entering its final phase — not only the most important but also the most sensitive  — Yemen has gradually become mired in political and security instability that threatens to negate the efforts of the Yemeni people and the international community. It was essential, in this very delicate phase, that we remain united alongside the Yemeni people. The second message is stresses the urgent need for the Yemeni parties to engage in the good-faith negotiations facilitated by the United Nations to resolve their differences through a political solution. We recall, in this respect, our full support for the good offices mission conducted by the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, Mr. Jamal Benomar. Through resolution 2201 (2015), the international community unequivocally rejects the use of force to achieve political goals and unilateral acts that contradict the search for a negotiated solution. Instead, it calls on all parties in Yemen to respect the rules of the democratic game and to define, in the framework of an inclusive process, a consensual political solution that respects previous agreements, including the GCC Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, the conclusions of the National Dialogue Conference, the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex. As the resolution points out, while previous agreements have not been respected, this solution must be strictly implemented. Lastly, the resolution sends a firm message in favour of the unity, integrity and stability of Yemen. The political vacuum in the country promotes the manifestation of violent discord that threatens its integrity. This is true not only politically, with the divisions that I have just mentioned, and at the regional level with the disturbing ascendency of secessionist tendencies, but also in terms of security, with the strengthening of the threat posed by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. France is particularly concerned about this aspect in the light of the violent attacks sponsored by that terrorist organization in early January. While the extension of a situation without inclusive political solution crisis reinforces terrorism, France renews its commitment to a resumption of the political transition that would restore the conditions of the anti-terrorist cooperation.

I thank you, Sir, for having convened this meeting of the Security Council, and the delegations of the United Kingdom and Jordan for having introduced resolution 2201 (2015), the adoption of which is very good news for two reasons. The first is that the Security Council’s credibility depends to a large extent on its effectiveness in response to such threats; the second, we believe, is that it will help to stop the escalating violence in Yemen. Spain urges all Yemeni stakeholders to return to the path of dialogue and to relaunch the transition process supported by the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism. The Gulf Cooperation Council has played an absolutely fundamental role. An inclusive dialogue is the only possible solution to make progress and achieve the goals of unity and prosperity in Yemen. I would like to express Spain’s gratitude for the work done by the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser Jamal Benomar, as well as to assure the members of the Council that the situation of insecurity and the lack of appropriate conditions have led Spain temporarily to suspend its presence in Yemen. We have departed for the time being, but we will return as soon as conditions allow our mission to do so. However, as well as we might have done it, our work does not end today. For, among the many issues, there are three matters of particular concern to Spain. First, all experts agree that Ansarallah is a group made up mostly of people with little or no training in politics, and we cannot be entirely certain that they can start along the path towards a return to democracy. Secondly, the very interesting report Small Arms Survey 2014 sets out the current situation in Yemen. This is no less than the third country in the world with the most weapons per inhabitant. And, thirdly, as some delegations have pointed out, in this type of conflict terrorist movements such as Al-Qaida always take advantage of the situation. I would like to conclude by mentioning a phrase that is usually found in all resolutions but which sometimes goes unnoticed. As found in paragraph 15 of resolution 2201 (2015), that phrase is “decides to remain actively seized of the matter”. I believe that the Council should remain seized of the matter of Yemen.

First of all, I would like to thank Jordan and the United Kingdom for initiating the text of resolution 2201 (2015). Chad welcomes the unanimous adoption by the members of the Security Council of resolution 2201 (2015). This once again attests to Council unity in the face of the serious situation prevailing in Yemen, which is more than ever endangering the political process and threatening the country’s unity and cohesion. We voted in favour of the resolution because it seems to us to be strong, balanced and to the point. It is strong in that it deplores the unilateral actions taken by the Houthis and clearly calls on them to immediately remove their forces from State institutions and to normalize the situation in the capital and in the country’s provinces. It is balanced in that it calls on all parties to engage in good faith in the negotiations aimed at finding a solution out of the crisis in line with the relevant provisions of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcome of the National Dialogue Conference and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement. Against that backdrop, we call on all Yemeni stakeholders immediately to implement the provisions of resolution 2201 (2015), with a view to finding a political solution to this crisis that can serve to overcome all the threats to the country’s security and stability. We believe that Yemen can be governed only on the basis of consensus. It is crucial that all the parties to the conflict immediately engage in dialogue and avoid turning to force to resolve their political differences. We reiterate our full support for the efforts of Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, aimed at arriving at a way out of the crisis.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting, which reflects the urgency of the matter before us. My delegation also commends the Initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council in coming up with a resolution on Yemen, as well as the efforts by Jordan and the United Kingdom to facilitate discussions on resolution 2201 (2015). This month marks the fourth anniversary of the revolution in Yemen that sparked the democratic transition in the country on the basis of the aspirations of its people. Yemen was a success model for the region, being the only country with a negotiated political transition arising from the Arab Spring in 2011, which included a clear road map and timeline for for an inclusive democratic transition. Unfortunately, Yemen is currently in real danger of backsliding into civil war and sectarian conflict. Malaysia is deeply alarmed at the unravelling situation in the country with the unilateral takeover of the Government by the Houthis, the increasing threat of terrorism, the looming secession in the south and the dire humanitarian crisis. We hope that the resolution adopted today, of which Malaysia was a sponsor, will send a clear and unmistakable signal to all parties in Yemen that any efforts to derail the political transition in the country, whether directly or indirectly, are unacceptable. We also call on the Houthis to immediately release the Yemeni President, Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers from house arrest. We highly appreciate the tireless efforts by Mr. Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser of the Secretary- General for Yemen, to salvage the dialogue among all parties. We reiterate our strong backing for his work. His optimism and perseverance to resolve the current situation through inclusive dialogue and negotiations in a difficult situation is highly admirable. However, in the end, the success of the negotiations will depend upon the political will of the parties in Yemen themselves. Malaysia therefore urges all parties, in particular the Houthis, to uphold their earlier commitments to the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement. We share the view of the international community that this remains the only legitimate path towards a democratic, stable and inclusive Yemen. We will continue to support Yemen in that endeavour.

New Zealand welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2201 (2015). We applaud the role played by Jordan and the United Kingdom in the Council, and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in facilitating that outcome. For New Zealand the two main purposes of the resolution are, first, that it emphasizes the centrality of the agreed transition framework — the GCC Initiative, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement — to the political transition in Yemen. Secondly, it condemns recent unilateral action by the Houthis, which undermines that agreed framework. This resolution is overdue. We regret that, despite several opportunities, this has been the first product the Council has been able to adopt since an armed group captured the presidential palace on 20 January. That action was described in the Chamber last week as a coup against the legitimate Government of Yemen. It was also, of course, a coup d’état against the transition process that had been formally endorsed by the Council. The situation in Yemen is still at very real risk of further deterioration, and will certainly remain so while the President and Prime Minister remain under house arrest. We call for their early release. We know from Special Adviser Jamal Benomar that the Council’s response to the crisis has been very closely watched in Yemen, and that in the past the parties have responded to our messaging. Against that background, given the close attention in Yemen to our response, the final agreement and achievement unity in the Council are even more welcome. New Zealand is convinced that all parties must now fully engage in the United Nations-brokered talks, and do so in the spirit of compromise directed towards achieving a political settlement that allows for a resumption of the political transition that was previously agreed, which also tackles some of the other serious issues faced by Yemen. While today we have focused on the immediate crisis, there are many important issues that the resolution can only touch on, in particular the humanitarian consequences of the crisis, the continued threat of terrorist groups and the serious social and economic issues that four years ago led the people of Yemen to an agreed process of political transition, one that appeared to be a model for the rest of the region — a political transition that, until the Houthis’ ill-judged intervention, appeared to be on a fragile but positive path. Those issues are central to Yemen’s longer-term stability. They must also be addressed. Therefore, we agree with Spain and others that they deserve our continued attention and that we must remain seized of the matter.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela supports, and voted in favour of, resolution 2201 (2015) on the situation in Yemen. We are convinced that a peaceful solution to the political crisis is the only possible avenue open to all the parties to achieve strong and lasting peace in the country. Venezuela reiterates its rejection of any illegal unilateral action that undermines the political and constitutional status of Yemen. As a matter of principle, our country always rejects coups d’état and political destabilization. Our country reiterates its condemnation of the use of violence and terrorism in all its manifestations, regardless of motivation or who commits it. All political stakeholders must respect the exising road map and the Gulf Cooperation Council initiatives aimed at opening up a path towards a political transition in this brotherly country through dialogue. We once again emphasize our resolute support for respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Yemen. We hope that this Security Council resolution will serve to encourage the parties to follow the road map charted to achieve peace and political stability, in line with the National Dialogue Conference outcomes of the National Partnership Agreement. National dialogue must continue, and we must insist on an effort in that regard that involves all political, ethnic and religious groups in the country. We call once again for the release of President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, as well as the members of the Cabinet who are currently being detained. Finally, Venezuela reiterates its full support for the good offices of the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Mr. Jamal Benomar, as he endeavours to act as facilitator in resolving the political crisis with the consent of all the parties and in line with the interests of the Yemeni people.

The delegation of Chile is grateful for the initiative of the United Kingdom and Jordan in preparing and introducing the timely resolution 2201 (2015). We appreciate the effort made in the Security Council to agree on a text that reflects a firm common position in the face of the urgent issue of Yemen. Despite the coup d’état, it is now time for the parties in Yemen to assume their responsibilities and relaunch the dialogue. More than ever, we urge all the parties to avoid unilateral actions and to speed up inclusive negotiations, facilitated by the United Nations, with a view to moving ahead with the political transition. We demand the early and safe release of President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, Prime Minister Khaled Mahfoudh Abdullah Bahah and all political leaders under arbitrary house arrest.

We thank the delegations of Jordan and the United Kingdom for taking the initiative to draft and present the timely resolution 2201 (2015) on the situation in Yemen, which Angola was very honoured to sponsor. It is our hope that its unanimous adoption will make a tangible contribution to the mediation efforts that Special Adviser Jamal Benomar is deploying for a dialogue towards a peaceful political settlement to the extremely grave situation in Yemen, which was created by the strategy of the Houthi faction to take over all Government institutions, dissolve the Parliament and hold President Mansour and Prime Minister Baha under house arrest. We urge their immediate release. By their actions, the Houthis are seriously harming the prospects for a peaceful transition process, to which whey are signatories. The immediate result of such an approach is to further alienate and radicalize other political actors, thereby setting up a scenario with unforeseen consequences — but certainly including further suffering, pain and sorrow for the Yemeni people. We are aware that there are difficult times ahead, but we hope that the situation will not degenerate even further and that it is still possible to salvage the political transition based on the Peace and National Partnership Agreement. As events unfold, we are particularly concerned about the growing threat of the country’s fragmentation, with southern Yemen moving to secession, the increasing sectarian nature of the conflict and the new opportunities that Al-Qaida is enjoying  — a trend whose reversal is absolutely imperative. By adopting today’s resolution, the Security Council is sending a clear and strong message to the Houthi leadership and to all Yemeni stakeholders that it is in everyone’s best interest to resume dialogue under the framework provided by the Gulf Coopderation Council Initiative, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement, and, by doing so, safeguard the political transition framework that, by their actions, the Houthis have dangerously undermined. We strongly urge all the parties to abide by resolution 2201 (2015) and to reach the much-neded compromises. Otherwise, mayhem, civil war, totalitarianism and an Al-Qaida-like regime might lie ahead for Yemen. The countries of the region, the Gulf Cooperation Council and all actors with some leverage on Yemeni actors should assume their responsibilities towards the Yemeni people and give a chance to political compromise and, ultimately, to peace.

Lithuania welcomes the adoption by consensus of resolution 2201 (2015), on Yemen, which we were happy to sponsor. In the past months, the Security Council has not always been at its best, and we have been too slow to act on several occasions. This particular signal that the Council is ready to rise to the challenge and do its part in supporting the transition in Yemen is therefore essential. Through this resolution, the Council is sending a powerful message that all parties, in particular the Houthis, must engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue that leads to agreement on a draft constitution and on the holding of a constitutional referendum and elections within a clear time frame. The core idea behind the involvement of the United Nations and the Council is Yemen was to present its people with a clear break from the past based on democracy, human rights, the rule of law and national reconciliation. That idea, enshrined in the Initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement, should remain the key reference point for any future path. We thank the main sponsors and authors of the resolution — Jordan and the United Kingdom. As our United Kingdom colleague did, I would also like to stress the role of the GCC, which remains essential in Yemen moving forward.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of China. The Council has just adopted unanimously resolution 2201 (2015), on the question of Yemen, which reiterates support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen and explicitly requests the parties concerned to engage in consultations in dialogue for a peaceful settlement of their differences. That is of importance in pushing the parties to achieve reconciliation and restore stability at an early date. China calls on the concerned parties in Yemen to bear the fundamental interests of their nation and people in mind, comprehensively implement all resolutions, including resolution 2201 (2015), expedite their dialogue and negotiations, and achieve reconciliation as soon as possible. They should continue to implement the outcome document of the National Dialogue Conference, the Peace and National Partnership Agreement, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative. They should steadfastly advance the political transition so that their country can embark on the path to peace, stability and development at an early date. China appreciates and supports the good offices and mediation of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Adviser on Yemen, Mr. Benomar. We welcome the ongoing constructive role being played by the GCC and the relevant international parties concerned. China will continue to play an active role in maintaining the peace and stability of Yemen and advancing the political transition process. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.