EU backs proposed five-day truce in Yemen

The European Union (EU) saw the proposed five-day humanitarian truce in Yemen as "an important opportunity to tackle the dramatic humanitarian situation in Yemen", two senior EU officials said in a joint statement on Monday.

"All parties should rapidly abide by the truce without preconditions in order to ensure immediate and unhindered access of ordinary Yemenis in need to aid and essential supplies, including fuel, food and basic commodities," EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said in the statement.

Moreover, the EU also called on all parties to ensure the safety and security of relief workers and facilitate the passage of convoys and ambulances to the most affected populations without discrimination.

Considering the escalation of the conflict carrying grave risks for the stability of the region, particularly at the Yemeni-Saudi border and in the province of Saada, the EU urged the warring parties "to refrain from the direct targeting of civilian areas and to fully respect international humanitarian law".

The EU also welcomed the announcement of a Conference of Yemeni parties in Riyadh on May 17.

The EU "will continue to support all efforts, in particular those of UN Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, for the resumption of inclusive political negotiations among the Yemeni parties," said the statement.

Saudi Arabia, which leads a nine-country coalition forces against the Houthi group in Yemen, announced last Friday a halt of air strikes in Yemen for five days beginning from Tuesday night, as the air raids and battles had caused a worsening humanitarian crisis. Endit