Barran Press
On December 11, 2024, France emphasized the need to prevent any resurgence of conflict in Yemen, urging the Iran-backed Houthi group to "return to the negotiating table under the leadership of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen."
The statement was made by Jay Darmadhekar, France's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council session. Darmadhekar highlighted that the Houthis have continued their attacks in the Red Sea against commercial shipping, despite UN Security Council resolutions 2722 and 2739 aimed at curbing such actions.
France reiterated its commitment to Yemen's stability and regional security, calling on Iran to cease its destabilizing support in the Middle East. The statement also reaffirmed the Security Council’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of the "Galaxy Leader" ship and its crew, who have been held for over a year.
France expressed its intention to continue participating in the European Union's security and defense policy and the ASPIDES operation, aimed at safeguarding maritime safety and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
While welcoming the recent release of a UN staff member and two NGO members, France raised concerns about the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of humanitarian workers, in violation of international humanitarian law. The statement highlighted the urgent need for these individuals' release, emphasizing that such detentions impede humanitarian aid efforts amid rising needs, particularly in the face of a cholera outbreak.
France urged the Houthis to facilitate humanitarian actors' efforts to vaccinate vulnerable populations and to cease disinformation campaigns against these essential organizations. The statement called for an end to the practice of taking Yemeni civilians hostage, noting that they are the primary victims of the restrictions imposed on humanitarian operations.
The French government stressed that the international community must remain mobilized to meet the needs of civilians, asserting that the regional context should not distract from the goal of establishing lasting peace in Yemen. France reaffirmed its full support for the Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, in his efforts to revive the peace process.
In conclusion, France called on the Houthis to engage in comprehensive negotiations that ensure the participation of all civil society members, particularly Yemeni women.