Arms embargo on Houthis to impede flow of needed aid: Former UN Yemen envoy

​The outgoing UN envoy to Yemen has warned that the imposition of an arms embargo targeting the Houthi Ansarullah movement could restrict delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the impoverished Arab country.

Jamal Benomar made the remarks after delivering his final report to the 15-member UN Security Council during a recent closed-door session.

He noted that the new arms embargo under a recent resolution could also restrict the flow of desperately-needed medical supplies and food.

“I warned the council that implementation of the new targeted arms embargo under the UN resolution could inadvertently restrict the flow of much-needed commercial goods and humanitarian assistance to Yemen including food, fuel and medical supplies,” media outlets quoted Benomar as saying.

The Moroccan diplomat acted as a mediator between factions in Yemen. He resigned earlier this month following reported pressure from Saudi Arabia and certain Persian Gulf Arab countries.

The imposed sanctions include an arms embargo, asset freezes and travel ban against Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the movement, Yemen’s former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, and his son Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The resolution also calls for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid for the airstrike victims, and ensuring the safety of civilians.

Saudi Arabia started its aggression against Yemen on March 26, without a UN mandate.

The regime’s warplanes have repeatedly targeted residential areas in a number of cities including Aden and Ta’izz, as well as the capital, Sana’a.

On April 21, Riyadh announced the end of the first phase of its military operation, which has claimed the lives of nearly 1,000 people so far, but airstrikes have continued with Saudi bombers targeting different areas across the country in a new phase.

According to Yemen’s Health Ministry, the month-long Saudi aggression has killed nearly 150 children and around 100 women.

JR/HSN/SS

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk