1st LD Writethru: UN chief urges all parties to refrain from actions that undermine unity of Yemen

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called on all parties and member states to refrain from any actions that undermine the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

"The Secretary-General notes that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that, at the request of the Government of Yemen, it has begun military operations in Yemen," said Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, reading a statement to the press here.

"He is aware of reports that other states, in particular members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, are also supporting these operations," he added.

Ban recalled last Sunday's Security Council presidential statement which, while supporting the legitimacy of Yemeni President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, called upon all parties and member states to refrain from taking any actions that undermine the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

In the presidential statement following an emergency meeting, the Security Council called on all member states to refrain from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability and instead to support the political transition.

"The Secretary-General reminds all parties involved of their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians and of all humanitarian and United Nations and associated personnel, as well as of the rules and principles of international human rights law and refugee law," said the statement.

Ban also noted that, despite escalation, negotiations remain the "only option" for ultimately resolving the Yemeni crisis.

Saudi Arabia said Thursday it has led a coalition of several states, including the Gulf states and Egypt, to carry out airstrikes against the Houthi forces in Yemen.

Warplanes raided military camps of the Shiite Houthi group in Yemen's capital of Sanna earlier in the day, killing 25 civilians and wounding 50 others. The strikes also targeted weapon depots at a missile base in southern Sanna controlled by forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The situation in Yemen has been rapidly deteriorating since the country formed a new government in November 2014 aimed at ending a period of political turbulence and bringing about a full transition towards democracy.

The Shiite Houthi group took over control of Sanaa in September and met strong resistance in the central and southern regions by powerful Sunni tribes and Sunni-dominated al-Qaida network.

The country has continued to be plagued by violence and political demonstrations despite UN efforts to bring about a peaceful political resolution. Endite