Yemen: Statement by the Spokesperson on the transfer of Presidential powers

The European Union welcomes the decision of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to transfer his powers to a Presidential Leadership Council. We appreciate the Gulf Cooperation Council for convening the intra-Yemeni talks, in support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy, which have led to this development.

This encouraging move underpins the recent, UN brokered, two-months truce between parties to the conflict, and could create further momentum for an inclusive political settlement of the conflict. We encourage all actors, in particular the Houthis, to respect the truce and engage with UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg without preconditions.

The EU welcomes the announcement of substantial financial support by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Saudi announcement on fuel assistance and contributions to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan. After seven years of a protracted and devastating conflict, this assistance provides vital support to the people of Yemen.