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Yemen

Note to Correspondents: Statement Attributable to the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen on the Cessation of Hostilities, 22 October 2016

New York

With the 72 hour Cessation of Hostilities in Yemen coming to an end, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail OuldCheikh Ahmed, urges all parties to agree to its extension for at least another renewable 72 hours.

"The ceasefire was largely holding despite reported violations from both sides in several areas. We noted over the last days that food and humanitarian supplies were provided to several affected neighborhoods and that UN personnel were able to reach areas that were previously inaccessible. We would like to build on this and we aim for a wider outreach in the next few days", said the Special Envoy.

The Special Envoy reminds all parties that the terms and conditions of the Cessation of Hostilities include an obligation to allow free and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all parts of Yemen, in addition to a full and comprehensive halt to military activities of any kind. “This must be respected at all times, in all areas”, said the Special Envoy.

The Special Envoy reiterated his call for the immediate reactivation of the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) and the deployment of its members to Dhahran Al Janoub as agreed during the Kuwait talks. “I expect all sides to strictly adhere to their commitments and work toward a definitive cessation of violence through a political process. In case parties agree to the extension, the Cessation of Hostilities must be fully respected. Our aim is that it will lead to a permanent and lasting end to the conflict," he added. "Yemenis deserve to live in peace and have access to their basic rights and all parties must assume their responsibility in protecting them."