Yémen - Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing (4 September 2019)

Q : A report published by the UN investigators argues that France, the United States and the UK could be complicit in war crimes by arming and providing intelligence and logistical support to the Saudi-led coalition operating in Yemen. How do you explain this analysis by the UN investigators of France’s role in this conflict?

R : France does not believe in a military solution to the conflict in Yemen and reaffirms its deep concern at the continued hostilities and humanitarian consequences of the conflict, for which the civilian populations are paying a high price. It strongly condemns the attacks that have resulted in a large number of civilian victims, like the one carried out on September 1 in Dhamar, one of the deadliest attacks since the start of the conflict.

A strict interministerial control system provides a framework for our arms exports. Authorizations are granted in strict compliance with France’s international obligations, notably the provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty and the EU Common Position.

France is taking action to promote a political solution in Yemen, the only way to put an end to the conflict. It supports the mediation efforts of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths aimed at relaunching discussions on a comprehensive and inclusive political agreement. Our action falls within the framework of President Macron’s efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.