Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
195. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the escalation of the crisis in Yemen and the Saudi military intervention there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/15]
View answerThe EU Foreign Affairs Council considered the situation in Yemen at its meeting in Luxembourg yesterday. At this meeting, I participated in a discussion of the deepening crisis in Yemen with my fellow Ministers and with High Representative Mogherini. At this meeting, conclusions were adopted which set out the EU position in full.
In recent weeks, a coalition of states led by Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes in response to advances by Houthi forces and following an invitation from President Hadi.
Last week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for all parties to scrupulously respect international human rights and international humanitarian law during the conduct of hostilities. I hope that all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen answer this call.
My view is that peace talks are the optimum way to achieve a political consensus which can restore order to Yemen and avoid a protracted and sectarian conflict with implications for the future of Yemen and for the stability of the region. I would encourage all parties to engage with UN Special Adviser Jamal Benomar to this end, so that a ceasefire can be agreed and a negotiated political solution found.
