Following days of speculation, the UN Security Council announced on Wednesday evening that its members had unanimously agreed on the adoption of Britain’s draft proposal on Yemen, as a mean to secure the impoverished nation’s peaceful political transition and thus fulfil the Yemeni people’s democratic aspirations.
As Yemen transition of power has stalled to the point where experts have warned the state would simply collapse under the weight of its ailing institutions, eroded by political tensions and sabotage, the UNSC decided once again to step in and act a buffer against chaos by threatening dissidents and “trouble-makers” with sanctions in accordance with Chapter 7: assets freeze and travel ban.
As per cited by diplomatic sources, “The UN Security Council on Wednesday authorized sanctions against anyone in Yemen who obstructs the country's political transition or commits human rights violations but stopped short of blacklisting any specific individuals.”
A sanction committee composed of 15 members will now overlook Yemen transition to ensure that all actors are playing by the rule.
"The council has made clear that we remain firmly committed to supporting Yemen as it implements subsequent steps in the transition process, including constitutional reform and national elections," US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told the council
She added, "The council has taken the forward-leaning step of setting up a committee that is prepared to sanction individuals for impeding the ongoing transition in Yemen.”
Britain's UN Ambassador, Mark Lyall Grant hailed the new resolution, explaining that the UNSC had made clear to all parties in Yemen that the international community would continue to monitor progress on the ground very closely and with much interest.
"Those wishing to derail the political transition will face swift and firm consequences through the new sanctions committee. The resolution is clear, and I quote, 'the transition process requires turning the page from the presidency of Ali Abdullah Saleh',” he told reporters.