The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States convened in Warsaw on February 13 to discuss the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The meeting underscored their commitment to a political resolution and endorsed agreements reached by Yemeni parties in December 2018.
"The Ministers reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive political solution to the conflict in Yemen and their endorsement of the agreements reached in Sweden by the Yemeni parties in December 2018," according to a statement released following the meeting. They also welcomed UN Security Council Resolutions 2451 and 2452, which support these agreements.
The ministers urged Yemeni factions to swiftly implement these agreements for the benefit of Yemeni citizens. They highlighted a preliminary agreement on force deployment in Hodeidah by the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) and called on both Houthis and the Government of Yemen to agree to this plan.
Furthermore, they emphasized that any delays regarding implementation should be avoided. "The Ministers stressed that there should be no further delaying tactics with regards to implementation of the Hodeidah Agreement."
Concerns were raised about security measures impacting UNMHA personnel, particularly those imposed by Houthis at key ports. The ministers expressed worries over bureaucratic obstacles hampering UNMHA’s work.
Iran's role was also discussed during the meeting. The ministers condemned Iran’s provision of weapons to Houthis, citing violations of UNSCR 2216 and UNSCR 2231. A recent drone attack by Houthi forces was strongly denounced as well.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from this conflict remains dire. Efforts were acknowledged regarding financial contributions made by Saudi Arabia and UAE towards food security and salary payments for essential workers in Yemen.
Ministers concluded that there is an opportunity for peace but stressed that efforts must continue toward reaching a political solution.