On Thursday, members of the UN Security Council welcomed the signing of the Riyadh agreement between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, noting it represents a positive and important step towards a comprehensive political solution for Yemen.

According to the UN news website, the members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to work with the Yemeni parties to pave the way for the resumption of comprehensive and inclusive negotiations, without delay, on the security and political arrangements necessary to end the conflict and move towards a peaceful transition.

The council members reiterated their full support for a negotiated political settlement that would engage all parties in a comprehensive dialogue to resolve differences and address the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis. This includes those in the south, as well as women and youth, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their call for the parties to continue to implement the Stockholm Agreement, affirming their strong commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.