UN Council condemns Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia

NEW YORK — The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned ballistic missile attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, raising concerns on the last year’s attacks on November 4 and December 19, which endangered civilian areas.

In a statement presented by Karel Jan Gustaaf van Oosterom, Council President, the council also welcomed the pledge made by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to contribute nearly $1 billion to the UN appeal, and both countries’ commitment to raise an additional $500 million.

“In light of the worsening crisis, the Security Council welcomes the UN 2018 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, which requires $2.96 billion to assist more than 13 million people. The Security Council calls upon member states to immediately disburse outstanding pledges and provide additional donor support ahead of the upcoming Geneva Pledging Conference for Yemen, hosted by the United Nations together with the governments of Sweden and Switzerland, and in this regard welcomes the pledge made by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to contribute nearly $1 billion to the UN appeal, and both countries’ commitment to raise an additional $500 million from other donors in the region,” the statement said, adding that the council encourages all member states to channel their pledges through the UN 2018 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan as part of a coordinated international response to the crisis.

“The Security Council notes with appreciation the recent announcement of a ‘Yemen Comprehensive Humanitarian Operations Plan’ by the Saudi-led Coalition, the recent delivery of four World Food Programme cranes to Hodeida port, as well as plans to install four additional cranes in Mocha, Aden and Mukalla ports, and to deposit $2 billion into the Central Bank of Yemen. The Council further notes the intention of the Saudi-led Coalition to establish an air bridge to Ma’rib to facilitate the delivery and distribution of aid,” it said.