Yemen is now entering a crucial phase [fr]

Madam President,

I thank Mr. Grundberg and Mr. Griffiths for their presentations.

As the Special Envoy said, there have been encouraging developments in Yemen over the past two weeks. On the security front, France welcomes the achievement of a two-month truce. This is an important first step in reducing the level of violence, alleviating the suffering of the population and laying the foundations for trust between the parties. We welcome the progress that has been made since April 2, including the easing of restrictions on access to the port of Hodeida and the airport in Sana’a.

At the political level, important steps have been taken. France commends the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and in particular those of Saudi Arabia, which have made it possible to form a Presidential Council bringing together a large number of Yemeni actors. This is an important step towards the restoration of a state that serves all Yemenis and is committed to the political process. The visit of the Special Envoy to Sana’a is also encouraging. France calls on the Houthis to also contribute constructively to the peace process.

Despite these positive developments, the humanitarian situation remains critical and serious human rights violations persist. The risk of famine is growing and the international context is contributing to this.

France is very concerned about the recent abduction of five UN staff in the south. It calls for their immediate and unconditional release. The protection of civilians remains an obligation for all. Full humanitarian access to all those in need must also be guaranteed.

With regard to the Safer oil tanker, France supports the United Nations’ coordinated response plan and hopes that it will be implemented. It will be present at the donors’ conference scheduled for May.

We also reiterated our commitment to support the Yemeni people on March 16 by announcing a contribution of 16 million dollars to the humanitarian response.

Madam President, Yemen is now entering a crucial phase. The conditions are right to transform this truce into a lasting ceasefire, accompanied by a peace plan. France therefore encourages all Yemeni and regional actors to cooperate fully with the Special Envoy in order to achieve a lasting solution. We welcome his efforts to promote a political dialogue between the parties and we reiterate our full support for him. I would also like to reiterate that Yemeni women must be fully involved in this historic stage in the political life of their country.

Thank you.