UNSC calls on Yemen to implement GCC initiative

The Security Council on Thursday called once again on Yemen to implement the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative in a "transparent and timely" manner, in a spirit of inclusion and reconciliation. In a press statement, Council President Vitaly Churkin of Russia said the Council members reaffirmed their intention to actively monitor the security, political and humanitarian situation in Yemen, and look forward to see further timely updates, including on the status of the implementation of the political transition agreements. The Council was briefed yesterday Wednesday by UN Special Advisor on Yemen Jamal Ben Omar who said the implementation of the initiative is on track and warned the parties - government and opposition - of consequences if the process is derailed. Council members welcomed in the press statement today the progress in implementing the political transition on the basis of the (GCC) initiative as well as the implementation mechanism which is resulting in a peaceful transition of power. They also welcomed the formation of the government of national unity. They expected the parties to continue to honor the timetable set out in the agreement, including the presidential elections on Feb 21, the national dialogue, the constitution review and the progromme of reform to tackle the profound security, humanitarian, and economic challenges facing the country. They reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity and unity of Yemen and urged all the parties to reject violence, refrain form any further provocations, and reiterated that all those responsible for violence and human rights abuses should be held accountable. They emphasized the need for unimpeded humanitarian access to address the growing crisis in the country and called on all Yemeni parties to work with increased support from the UN, international community and GCC countries towards achieving peace, stability and reconciliation. The GCC-brokered initiative, which commits Yemen to a transition of power within 90 days, was signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by the parties late last month.