Saudi-led Coalition Considering Pause for Humanitarian Relief in Yemen

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies are considering a ceasefire in its air campaign against Houthi militias in Yemen to better facilitate humanitarian relief to areas in need.

Minister Al-Jubeir said that Saudi Arabia is holding consultations with members of the coalition in defense of legitimacy in Yemen and all countries supporting the coalition's efforts in Yemen in order to determine specific areas in Yemen where humanitarian aid to be delivered.  The foreign minister added that all air operations would cease at specific times in these areas to allow the delivery of relief supplies in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015).

Minister Al-Jubeir warned that Houthi militias and forces loyal to former Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh will try to exploit the ceasefire and prevent the people of Yemen from receiving aid. He reiterated that Saudi Arabia will respond to any violations of this ceasefire by resuming air attacks targeted at Houthi militia groups.

The foreign minister also said that Saudi Arabia is considering establishing a unified center within its country to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid with the United Nations and other countries. 

In response to the appeal by the U.N. and its partners to the international community to urgently provide $274 million to respond to escalating humanitarian needs in Yemen, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz ordered the donation of $274 million to the U.N. on April 17, 2015 to support humanitarian efforts in Yemen.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office

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