Zhang Jun (C, front), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Yemen, at the UN headquarters in New York, Oct. 17, 2019. Zhang on Thursday called on regional countries to continue to create conditions for all parties in Yemen to ease tensions. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on regional countries to continue to create conditions for all parties in Yemen to ease tensions.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting on Yemen, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said that the situation in Yemen took a complicated turn some time ago, the conflict in southern Yemen has been an obstacle to the peace process.
The Chinese envoy called on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from taking any action that could escalate tensions. He also expresses his hope that the constructive dialogue between Yemeni parties will yield positive results as soon as possible with the mediation of Saudi Arabia.
"China calls on all parties to put the interests of the Yemeni nation and people first, resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations and other political means, and jointly safeguard the sovereignty, independent unity and territorial integrity of Yemen," he added.
Zhang also called on parties to earnestly implement their commitments and fully implement the agreements already reached.
Noting that the Stockholm Agreement was an important outcome of the United Nations mediation and contributed to the overall ceasefire in the Hodeidah region, the Chinese ambassador said he hopes Yemeni parties will continue consultations on issues such as prisoner exchange and make progress at an early date.
He added the humanitarian issues in Yemen should be paid greater attention.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with the Yemeni people being the greatest victims and facing the scourge of famine, chaos, oil shortages, soaring prices and other difficulties, said Zhang.
He added China encourages regional countries to continue to contribute to easing the humanitarian situation in Yemen and hopes that donor countries can strengthen coordination with the United Nations, earnestly fulfill their donation commitments and ensure that humanitarian materials can reach all the people and areas in need.
China has provided substantial support to Yemen through multilateral and bilateral channels in the areas of economy, education, medical care and food, said Zhang, adding that "we will continue to provide assistance to the best of our ability."
