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UN Security Council voices grave concern over Yemen' s political crisis

Xinhua, February 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Friday expressed grave concern after the Houthi group in Yemen announced dissolution of parliament and take over power from the presidency.

The Council called "in the strongest terms" on all parties, in particular the Houthis, to abide by the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreements which provide for a Yemeni-lead democratic transition, said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN and President of the Council for the month of February, reading out press elements after the Council's consultation.

"The members of the Security Council declare their readiness to take further steps if UN-lead negotiations are not immediately resumed," Liu noted, while reaffirming the Council's commitment to the territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of Yemen.

The most powerful body of the UN also called for the "immediate release" of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and members of the Cabinet from house arrest.

The Shiite Houthi group announced Friday the formation of a presidential council to take over power from the presidency, a move further deepens the chaos after Yemen's president and premier submitted resignation last month.

Yemen' s political parties have been holding consultations brokered by UN envoy Jamal Benomar for more than two weeks, aiming to reach a consensus to fill the power vacuum.

Despite the formation of a new government in November 2014 aimed at ending a period of political turbulence and bringing about a full transition towards democracy, the impoverished Arab country continues to be plagued by violence and mass political demonstrations. Enditem