UN Security Council extends Yemen sanctions for another year

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution Thursday to renew Yemen sanction measures until Feb. 26, 2018, after determining that "the situation in Yemen continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security."

In a resolution unanimously adopted here, the council renewed assets freeze and travel ban measures against individuals and organizations undermining the peaceful transition process in Yemen, which was imposed by resolution 2140 in 2014.

The council expressed concern at the ongoing political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges in Yemen, and threats arising from the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of weapons.

The council noted that "the critical importance of effective implementation of the sanctions regime imposed pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) and resolution 2216 (2015), including the key role that Member States from the region can play in this regard."

The council also reaffirmed its "strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen" and reiterated its call for all parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refrain from provocation.

Yemen has been experiencing a civil conflict since the UN-backed government was ousted by the Houthi militants in late 2014.

The conflict triggered a Saudi Arabia-led military intervention in late March, which has been deepening the country's suffering. Endit