Press Statement on the Houthi ballistic missile attack on Riyadh

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the ballistic
missile attack by the Houthis against Riyadh the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 19
December. The members of the Council also expressed alarm at the stated intention of the Houthis
to continue these attacks against Saudi Arabia, as well as to launch additional attacks against other
states in the region.

The members of the Security Council called on all Member States to fully implement all aspects
of the arms embargo as required by the relevant Security Council resolutions, and in that regard
expressed their grave concern at the reports of continuing violations of the embargo.

The members of the Security Council recalled that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative
and Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue
conference, and relevant Security Council resolutions and statements, including Security Council
Resolution 2216, provide the basis for inclusive negotiations for a political settlement of the crisis
in Yemen and expressed concern at the continued non-implementation of these resolutions.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their call to all parties to engage constructively
with the tireless efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould
Cheikh Ahmed, to bring the parties to negotiations with a view towards swiftly reaching a final
and comprehensive agreement to end the conflict in Yemen.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation
in Yemen and called on all parties to allow the safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian
supplies and personnel to the populations of all affected governorates, and to facilitate access for
essential imports of food, fuel and, medical supplies into the country and their distribution
throughout. In that regard the members of the Council noted with appreciation the recent
announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the port of Hodeida.
The members of the Security Council called upon all parties to comply with international
humanitarian law.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty,
independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

22 December 2017