Moscow urges to strictly observe humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW, May 13. /TASS/. Russia calls on all parties in Yemeni conflict to strictly observe humanitarian truce and refrain from any use of force, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. "Already after ceasefire began, attacks were registered on Aden’s port, along with fighting in the third most important Yemeni city of Taiz, clashes on the Saudi-Yemeni border," the foreign ministry said. "Moscow urges all participants of dramatic developments in Yemen to strictly observe the humanitarian ceasefire, refrain from any use of force or steps that could disrupt the ceasefire," the diplomatic agency said. "We are convinced that appropriate implementation of the humanitarian ceasefire, which Russia advocated from the very start of the crisis, deserves active support," the foreign ministry added. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that sustainable peace should follow temporary ceasefire. "It will allow not only to end sufferings of the civilian population and render necessary assistance, but also to pave the way for a political settlement of the conflict, resumption of nationwide political dialogue in this country," the ministry noted. At the same time, diplomats expressed their concerns with the fact that a surge in violence preceded humanitarian ceasefire, and Saudi-led coalition intensified strikes on the Yemeni territory ahead of the truce. Humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen is aimed at easing delivery of international aid to the country. It entered into force overnight to May 13 and will last for five days. Crisis in Yemen Since August 2014, Yemen has been hit by a severe political and security crisis. In late January, the armed groups of Ansar Allah (Houthi rebels) forced the president and the government to announce resignation. The rebels later took control of the country’s capital and several northern provinces. Overnight to March 26, Saudi Arabia launched a military operation in the neighboring country and delivered air strikes at several Houthi positions. The coalition was later joined by Bahrein, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan and Sudan. Yemeni President Abd Rabbah Mansur Hadi fled the country to Saudi Arabia. On April 21, the Saudi-led coalition announced the end of a military operation "Storm of Resolve" in Yemen, a statement read on Saudi-owned Arabiya TV said. According to the statement, "The alliance had achieved its military goals in Yemen through the campaign dubbed ‘Storm of Resolve’ and will now begin a new operation called ‘Restoring Hope’." "The mission will focus on security at home and counter-terrorism, aid and a political solution in Yemen," the statement said. Read more