(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) UN Security Council Resolution 2216, approved on Tuesday by 14 Council members with only one abstention, represents a great victory for the GCC diplomacy in support of the legitimate authority of Yemen.
The GCC-drafted resolution slapped sanctions, including an arms embargo, on the Houthi rebels and the forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh under Chapter VII of the UN Charter amid the "significant and rapidly deteriorating' humanitarian situation.
It demands all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine the country's UN-sponsored political transition.
It demands that Houthis immediately and unconditionally end violence, withdraw forces from areas they have seized, relinquish all arms, cease activities undermining the authority of the country's legitimate Government, refrain from provocation against neighboring states, release the Defense Minister Gen. Mahmoud Al-Subaihi and end the recruitment of children.
The resolution calls on all Yemeni parties, particularly the Houthis, to abide by the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant Security Council resolutions, and to resume and accelerate inclusive UN-brokered negotiations.
It also demands that all Yemeni parties adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject violence as a means to achieving political goals, and refrain from provocation and all unilateral actions to undermine the political transition.
The resolution, besides adding Abdulmalek Al-Houthi and Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, the son of ousted president, to the list of individuals subject to the sanctions imposed by paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014), also imposed an arms embargo meaning that all member states would immediately take necessary measures to prevent direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to, or for the benefit of Saleh, along with Abdullah Yahya Al Hakim, Abdulkhaleq Al-Houthi, and individuals and entities designated by the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 19 of resolution 2140 (2014).
The overwhelming support for the resolution sends a message that the UNSC stands firm and united against rebels and their violations and threats to the legitimate authority and the security and safety of Yemeni people.
Russia abstained from voting for the resolution in apparent response to the fact that its text ignored Russian call for cessation of the air campaign "Operation Decisive Storm" being launched by the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis and the forces loyal to former president since March 26.
The resolution was welcomed by Yemen, UNSC members and the GCC member states.
Yemen Ambassador to the UN Khaled Al-Yamani said the resolution reflects the determination of the international community to stand by the Yemeni people in their quest for dignity, democracy and quality.
"President Hadi was forced to seek the help of the sisterly countries to protect the national unity of the people and the territorial integrity and safety of the country," Al-Yamani said in an address to the UNSC meeting following the vote.
"The President's request, which is consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter, followed the escalation of turmoil countrywide and the aggression by rebels on the legitimate authority of the elected head of state.
"The response of the brothers in the GCC, notably Saudi Arabia, came in keeping with their historic responsibility for defending our shared destiny against the Iranian interventions in our domestic affairs," he added.
Meanwhile, British Permanent Representative to the UN Mark Lyall Grant said his country supports the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen, but ultimately the solution to this crisis must be a political one.
Ambassador Grant welcomed the resolution, saying that the Council made clear further measures would be taken if Houthis failed to cease their aggression.
He called on all Yemeni parties to engage in the UN-led dialogue in "good faith," and stressed that a political solution in Yemen remains the best way to counter the growing threat from terrorist groups.
On his part, Kuwait Permanent Representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi said the resolution was a success of GCC diplomacy following weeks of intensive consultations.
"The Security Council is sending through this resolution a strong and firm message for the Houthis who tampered with the international law and legitimacy," Al-Otaibi told KUNA.
In a similar vein, Saudi Arabia's Delegate to the UN Abdullah Al-Muallami said the resolution is a "victory to the Yemeni people." In Riyadh GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani lauded the resolution "as a clear and strong message of unity of the international community in support to legitimacy in Yemen and triumph for the Yemeni people." The measure reflects the seriousness of the international community to support the Yemeni people and their legitimate right to attain a safe, stable and prosperous nation, he said in a statement.
The GCC chief called on all Yemenis to respond to calls by the international community, abide by relevant UNSC resolutions, abandon violence and clashes, and work to maintain peace and national unity in their country.
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