Thank you, Mr. President. And since this is my first time in the Council with you as our president, I want to wish you every success this month. Thank you also, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, and Ms. Summer Nasser for your informative briefings. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen.
The Houthis continue to be a destabilizing presence in the region. In recent days, the Houthis have attacked two commercial vessels in the Red Sea leading to the loss of life, injury to sailors, and sinking of a cargo ship, Magic Seas.
"The United States condemns these attacks, which interfere with freedom of navigation."
The Houthis also joined Iran in launching drone and missile attacks, continuing as recently as July 5.
"Israel has the right to defend itself. And we stand with Israel in its right to self-defense against the Houthis."
The Houthis continue to abuse their fellow Yemenis and hold their country captive. This includes unjust detention of a large number of staff from UN, NGOs, and diplomatic missions.
"Once again, the United States calls on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all of those detainees."
The recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea demonstrate the need for continued vigilance from this Council.
"We call on Council members to join us and Greece in renewing the request contained in Security Council Resolution 2722 that the Secretary-General inform the Council of Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea."
Similarly, there is a call for ensuring that Yemen Panel of Experts functions effectively by providing critical information about violations under Security Council Resolution 2216.
"Unfortunately, one member of this Council continues to impede appointment of an arms expert to this Panel."
"The United States calls for expert’s immediate appointment. This obstructionism empowers Iran’s defiance of UN’s arms embargo."
Iran enables actions against Israel and influences terror networks across Middle East regions through Houthi support.
"This Council must not tolerate Iran’s violations of its resolutions."
Another important tool is UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which has improved efficiency through physical inspection processes.
"Again we urge Member States donate directly UNVIM needs only $11 million per year operate full capacity."
However, it is believed that UN Mission Support Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) no longer serves its purpose due changing circumstances necessitating reconsideration or cessation mission's mandate:
"We believe it time sunset mission."
Finally reminder issued regarding compliance with U.S law concerning Foreign Terrorist Organizations designations affecting vessels clearance procedures:
"Knowingly providing material support resources FTO violation U.S law."
"The United States remains committed depriving Houthis resources sustain terrorist actions network."
I thank you Mr President.