EU-erklæring om den politiske situasjonen i Jemen

A nationwide ceasefire, agreed by the main parties to the current conflict, entered into force in Yemen on Sunday 10 April.

All parties should now capitalise on the progress made in achieving a noticeable decrease in violence and military activity, and on the announcement by the Saudi-led Coalition that major combat operations in Yemen are coming to an end, to agree on a permanent ceasefire and on parameters for a sustainable political solution guaranteeing the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen. Inclusive intra-Yemeni political negotiations are the only way to end the current conflict and properly and effectively address state fragmentation, human suffering, as well as to tackle the growing threat of terrorist groups.

The EU thanks the Kuwaiti authorities for their generous offer to host UN-facilitated talks in Kuwait City from 18 April, and reiterates its full support to the efforts of the UNSG and his Special Envoy for Yemen to achieve a breakthrough in inclusive political negotiations, in accordance with the GCC initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2216.

The EU urges all parties to engage without preconditions, in good faith and in a constructive manner in the negotiations, and to implement practical confidence building measures, in particular by fully abiding by the terms of the ongoing ceasefire and by guaranteeing safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance in line with International Humanitarian Law. The cessation of hostilities is essential to provide life-saving assistance to millions of people in hard-to reach areas in Yemen.

The EU stands ready to continue playing its part in humanitarian, development, reconciliation and reform efforts to the benefit of all Yemenis, highlighting the need for a concerted and coordinated approach of the international community and the Government of Yemen to the country's reconstruction.

The Candidate Countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia align themselves with this declaration. 

* - The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.