Ma Zhaoxu (C), Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Yemen, at the UN headquarters in New York, June 17, 2019. China supports the Yemeni parties to return to the track of dialogue, said Ma Zhaoxu. The UN Security Council on Monday condemned Houthi rebels in Yemen for the misappropriation of humanitarian aid as well as their attack on a civilian airport in Saudi Arabia. UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock told the meeting that about 500,000 people will die by 2022 if the war continues in Yemen. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, June 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese UN envoy on Monday called for a political solution to the Yemeni issue through intra-Yemeni dialogue.
China supports the Yemeni parties to return to the track of dialogue, said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
In the long run, there is a need for the resumption of political talks in order to find a comprehensive solution, he added.
The December 2018 Stockholm Agreement is an important step toward the political settlement of the Yemeni issue. The agreement should be implemented in real earnest, he told the Security Council.
With the efforts of the related parties, notable progress has been made in the implementation of the agreement, Ma said.
The cease-fire in Hodeidah is largely holding and progress has been made in the redeployment of forces. At the same time, big differences remain over the composition of local security forces, and over the exchange of prisoners, he noted.
Ma expressed the hope that the UN presence in Yemen will strengthen coordination and build synergy to resolve the outstanding issues. The Yemeni parties must support the UN efforts. The Security Council should remain united and provide political support in accordance with council resolutions, he said.
In resolving the conflict through political means, the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen must be safeguarded, said Ma.
China condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, he said, adding China is also deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen.
The international community must scale up aid and fulfill aid pledges in a timely manner, and the parties in Yemen need to ensure humanitarian access so that assistance can reach all people in need in all regions, said Ma.
China is paying close attention to the food crisis in Yemen. Since July 2017, China has provided seven batches of rice to Yemen totaling 7,600 tons, he said.
China will continue its humanitarian assistance to Yemen to the best of its capacity, he said.
