The UN Security Council has welcomed the creation and assumption of responsibilities by Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), hoping it will be an important step towards stability and an inclusive Yemeni-led and -owned political settlement.
Council members called on the Houthis to engage and work with the UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, in his efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire.
The members issued a unanimous statement highlighting the April 7 announcement of the peaceful transfer of powers of the legitimate Government of Yemen by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, welcoming the "creation of and assumption of responsibilities — in accordance with this transfer of powers — by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of the Government of Yemen that reflects a broader array of political actors."
They hoped that this would form an "important step towards stability and an inclusive Yemeni-led and -owned political settlement under UN auspices, following the April 2 truce commencement," noting with "satisfaction" the "intention of the PLC of the Government of Yemen to form a negotiating team for the UN-led talks."
They reiterated their support for the UN Special Envoy's efforts, "welcomed the Government of Yemen's constructive engagement, and encouraged the newly formed PLC to continue this in order to reach a political settlement under UN auspices."
They noted the Envoy's visit to Sanaa on April 11 for the first time since he assumed his post, calling on the Houthis to engage and work with him “on his efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and to negotiate an inclusive political solution."
They underscored the "importance of a minimum 30 percent participation by women in line with the Outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, as recalled by resolution 2624 (2022)."
Council members reiterated their "deep concern" about Yemen's humanitarian crisis and encouraged donors to fully fund the UN humanitarian response plan and support the Yemeni government efforts to stabilize the economy.
They welcomed the $3 billion economic support package announced by Saudi Arabia and the UAE and Riyadh’s additional commitment of $300 million to fund the UN humanitarian response plan.
They also expressed their full support for the PLC in addressing the Yemeni people's urgent humanitarian and economic needs.
Furthermore, the Council commended contributions of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its members in supporting peace, promoting political dialogue, and addressing the humanitarian crisis.