As the United Nations Security Council engages in negotiations to renew the Yemen sanctions regime, the United States Acting Alternate Representative to the United Nations call on other members of the Council to support efforts to strengthen measures to address the Houthi rebels’ threats and stem the flow of arms and funds to them.
John Kelley urged the Security Council and its members to take decisive action against the systematic violations of the Council sanctions by the Houthi rebels, describing the UN Panel of Experts on Yemen’s final report as “ a wake-up call for this Council and the world”.
Kelley added “The evidence is clear: systematic violations of Security Council sanctions continue, allowing the Houthis to acquire arms and related materiel, dual-use components and advanced electronics to fuel weapons programs enabling the Houthis to menace their neighbors and restrict international commerce in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The U.S. diplomat said that his country the Panel ‘s recommendation and urge the Council to establish a maritime enforcement mechanism for Yemen adding that improved enforcement of the arms embargo is clearly needed, particularly against continuing shipments of arms and related materiel coming from Iran in violation of UN sanctions pertaining to Yemen and Iran.
Kelly added that the Security Council must uphold its mandate and resolutions to ensure peace and security, including in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, concluding that the people of Yemen deserve a future free from violence.