On 6 February 2015, the United Nations Security Council (“UNSC“) warned of unspecified “further steps” if the Shia Houthi rebels who have taken power in Yemen do not return to UN-led negotiations on a democratic transition. Members of the UNSC said they were “gravely concerned” and called on the Houthi rebels “in the strongest terms” to abide by the agreements providing for a Yemeni-led democratic transition. The UNSC also called for the immediate release of President Abed Rabboo, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet from house arrest. It was reported on 9 February 2015 that discussions had resumed.
In a similar move, the EU Foreign Affairs Council (“FAC“), in a meeting on 9 February 2015, noted that it was following the recent developments in Yemen “with grave concern.” The FAC called on “all political forces, particularly the Houthis, to take clear responsibility for their actions” and called for the immediate release of the President, Prime Minister and the members of the Cabinet from house arrest. The FAC considered that the unilateral ‘Constitutional Declaration’ issued by the Houthis on 6 February 2015 had no legitimacy and urged “all parties to return to genuine dialogue and inclusive negotiations, in particular those conducted by the UN.” Please see here for the full FAC press release.
