United Nations – Yemen – Appointment of Martin Griffiths as the new special envoy of the UN secretary-general (14 February 2018)

We wish him every success and express our support for his efforts to carry out his mission. Martin Griffiths, who is executive director of the European Institute of Peace and has worked for several international organizations, including humanitarian organizations, brings all the experience needed to fulfill his mission.

We also thank Mr. Griffith’s predecessor, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, for his efforts to find a peaceful solution and improve humanitarian access.

Our priority in Yemen is to respond to the humanitarian crisis and to reach a political solution. The only way to preserve the country’s territorial integrity, restore lasting peace and security and put an end to the tragic humanitarian situation is through a political solution. The Yemeni parties must therefore resume, without conditions, the peace negotiations under UN auspices and put an end to the fighting. We actively support the special envoy’s efforts in this respect.