Yemen: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP debate on the humanitarian and political situation

PR Newswire Policy

BRUSSELS, 09 February 2021 /PRNewswire Policy/ -- Thank you Ms President, dear Members of the European Parliament,

Yes, the humanitarian and political situation in Yemen deserves more attention. Much more than the one we pay to it. The war has been raging for almost 6 years, with a devastating impact: 24 million people – which means 80% of the Yemeni population – are in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 4 million are displaced.

Beyond this terrible humanitarian crisis, the war in Yemen has become a source of instability in the whole region. We need to take decisive action to avert a mass famine. The situation can still deteriorate, if restrictions to imports of basic commodities and humanitarian access persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Yemen. Additionally, the SAFER oil tanker stranded in the Red Sea is a ticking time bomb that could cause an environmental disaster.

Since the start of the conflict six years ago, the European Union has not only made diplomatic efforts but also provided nearly €1 billion to Yemen in response to the crisis, through humanitarian and development assistance.

You can be sure that we will keep working to support the only way out of this crisis, which is a political settlement for peace and stability. To this end, we fully back the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, in support of a ceasefire and a political solution.

Current prospects for a rapid breakthrough in Yemen are certainly and unhappily slim. The latest attacks by Ansar Allah show how challenging the situation remains. But, at the same time, we feel a growing sense of urgency in the international community to find a way out.

The latest announcements from the Biden Administration – ending support for Saudi-led offensive operations and the appointment of a special Yemen Envoy – show a genuine interest from our partners to address the crisis. We also welcome the announced revocation of the designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. This designation could have catastrophic consequences in the context of Yemen, as the country is highly dependent on commercial food imports. It has to be very clear that to nominate [an organisation] as terrorist organisation can create a blockage on trade. Because nobody will dare to face US sanctions. This is one example that has to be criticised about some decisions of the outgoing Trump administration.

We strongly condemned the 30 December attack on the new government. The unprecedented mission of eight European Ambassadors to Aden demonstrates our strong diplomatic support.

We are ready to push for a concerted action to unlock the stalled process and nudge the parties to implement a permanent ceasefire and begin political talks. I am confident that progress towards peace in Yemen will also help de-escalate the tense situation in the wider Gulf region.

I will personally continue my engagement on all these issues, along with Commissioner for Crisis Management, my colleague Janez Lenarčič, and other partners.

I look forward to working with you on this critical file. Six years of war, one of the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world – has to stop. And we, the European Union, have an important role to play in it.

SOURCE European External Action