Yemen – France strongly condemns the Houthi attack on an oil tanker (October 21, 2022)

France strongly condemns the attack on the oil tanker Nissos Kea, which took place on October 21 off the coast of Yemen’s Al-Dabba port. This attack, for which the Houthis have claimed responsibility, is an unacceptable threat to international maritime commerce and freedom of navigation. This kind of attack constitutes a serious, flagrant violation of the Law of the Sea and prevents the Yemeni people, who are the primary victims of this war, from accessing fundamental necessities.

France calls on the Houthis to take responsibility and de-escalate. We lament the failure to make progress on establishing a new truce in Yemen, a failure for which the Houthis bear direct responsibility.

The only way to put an end to this war, which has gone on for too long, is for the Yemeni parties to find a political solution under the aegis of the UN. France urges the Houthis to make a lasting, good-faith commitment to the negotiations conducted by the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, whose efforts France salutes.

France recognizes the Yemeni government’s commitment to finding a truce and, in time, a political solution. We likewise recognize the efforts made by Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and other countries in the region. France reaffirms its commitment to peace and unity in Yemen and to stability and security in the region.