The Government of Yemen, supported by the Saudi-led Coalition, has echoed the call of the UN Secretary General for a ceasefire in Yemen in order to fight the current coronavirus pandemic.

Similarly, the movement Ansar Allah has announced a series of decisions, including the release of members of the Baha'I community, and signalled willingness to engage in de-escalation and to negotiate a comprehensive political agreement.

These are welcomed steps in the right direction. The war in Yemen has raged for more than five years and brought untold suffering and destruction to Yemen and its citizens. The additional imminent threat now posed by the spread of coronavirus makes it even more imperative for the parties to lay down arms and join forces for a common cause.

The European Union expects the parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy in setting up the appropriate confidence-building mechanisms to this end. The European Union will continue lending its full support to the Special Envoy and his team as they embark on this critical endeavour for the benefit of the Yemeni people and regional stability.