EU calls for end to civilian attacks in Yemen

The European Union on Friday in Geneva said the conflict in Yemen was having a “dramatic impact” on the civilian population management.

Christos Stylianides, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis, warned that the damage from the conflict had reached an alarming proportion.

He said this has made every access for the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies to be extremely difficult.

“The recent airstrikes and shelling of Hodeida port facilities have created an additional and immediate obstacle to the import of food, fuel, medicines and other critical goods to alleviate some of the most pressing needs of the population,’’ Stylianides said.

The Commissioner said the union was calling on all parties to the conflict to refrain from deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.

“The EU urges all parties to rapidly engage in a process to put an end to the conflict.

“At this very moment, a predictable and sustainable humanitarian pause is essential to prevent further deepening of this humanitarian catastrophe,’’ he said.

Stylianides said EU fully supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ahmed, to resume inclusive negotiations.

He therefore urged all Yemeni parties to resume political dialogue without preconditions.

Stylianides announced the approval of additional 12 million euros, by the European Commission, on Aug. 5 in humanitarian aid for Yemen, bringing the total for 2015 to 37 million euros.