UNITED NATIONS — Russia on Saturday urged the U.N. Security Council to call for a “humanitarian pause” in airstrikes by a Saudi-led military coalition to help evacuate foreigners from Yemen and allow unhindered delivery of aid to civilians.
Russia called an emergency meeting of the council and circulated a draft resolution demanding “regular and obligatory” breaks in airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi Shiite rebels to allow foreign personnel to leave the country. It makes no mention of a halt to fighting by the Houthis.
The draft also demands “rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches people in need.”
After the meeting, Jordan’s U.N. Ambassador Dina Kawar, the current council president, said members “reiterated concern over the grave humanitarian situation” and again called for implementation of a resolution demanding an end to the fighting in Yemen and a return to negotiations.
She said council members need time to consider the Russian draft resolution.
The Gulf Cooperation Council previously proposed a draft resolution that would impose an arms embargo on the Houthis, whose main backer is Iran. Kawar said talks would continue Saturday between a few council members and the GCC on both measures.
The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia’s U.N. Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said his country has already made arrangements for the evacuation of foreigners.
