The situation in the Middle East - Security Council, 10270th meeting Security Council Date: 12 November 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/sc/10270 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Latvia · President of the Security Council [9:31]: The 10,269th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is: The situation in the Central African Republic. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Central African Republic to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2026/899, the text of a draft resolution submitted by France. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements before the votes. And I give the floor to the representative of France. France [10:49]: Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, it's a new phase that's opening for the Central African Republic. And I would like to greet the representative here. The progress over the recent years are very real, as we can see in the elections that were held, the advancement in the peace process, the extension of the state authority throughout the territory of the country. This progress remain fragile and remain threatened by volatile security situation, in particular in border areas in the northeast and southeast of the country. The situation In bordering state Sudan, first and foremost, is an undeniable risk of destabilization. Under these conditions, what is a must here is a consolidation of accomplishments, in particular in the security area, to make sure that they are irreversible and to ensure that peace and security take root in a lasting manner in the country. Madam President, the text on which we are going to vote now means to provide MINUSCA, the means to accompany the Central African Republic at this critical point. And this provides a new cap for MINUSCA. Within its mandate, it is consolidation of achievements. It's fixing the troop ceilings, which is adjusted to the new goals. It provides support for MINUSCA and their support for the state, in particular in the border areas, and the deployment of security forces. And a pilot project of garrison army. And this, together with the efforts by the Central African Republic, will continue in terms of demobilization and reintegration, combating impunity, and upholding human rights. The goal? here is to create the conditions for when the time comes, the Central African Republic can shoulder its responsibility and provide for a successful transition then. This new mandate opens a pathway on the basis of joint planning with the host state of the transfer of responsibility done sequentially, and to condition the situation on the ground. Madam President. The text that we are putting forth today came out of an in-depth and constructive discussions, which was held with all of the members of the Council, as well as with the Central African Republic. I would like to thank them for their contribution, which allowed us to come up with a balanced text in which we tried to include the priorities of everyone, whilst being guided by the future prosperity of the CAR and the the Council, it will show that we can come up with tangible results, and we hope that the Council will unanimously vote in favour. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [13:36]: The representative of France for the statement. And I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favour of the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/899 please raise their hand? The result of the voting is as follows: The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2836 of 2026. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the vote. I give the floor to the representative of Liberia. Liberia · A3 [14:37]: Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia. The A3 voted in favor of the resolution renewing MONUSCO's mandate until 15th November 2027. We believe Central African Republic's progress must be consolidated through a responsible transition. We thank the penholder and council members for their constructive engagement. We welcome the electoral milestones achieved since December 2025, but urge timeless support to complete the remaining electoral processes, address financial constraints, and strengthen inclusive governance with the full participation of women and youth. The successful sunsetting of MINUSCA's Electoral Assistance Division stands as tangible proof that national ownership is taking root. The extension of state authority and progress in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement and the 2025 N'Djamena Agreements are also laudable developments for which we commend the CAR government, MINUSCA, and regional partners, particularly Chad. More than 1,900 combatants have been disarmed since July 2025. Sustaining this progress, however, requires adequate predictable, and sustainable funding for reintegration and community violence reduction, alongside the full participation of women and youth in peace consolidation. Madam President, the A3 supports a gradual, nationally-owned, and conditions-based transition, developed jointly by the Government and MINUSCA. The transfer of responsibilities must strengthen national institutions and their ability to protect civilians. Its pace should follow demonstrated capacity and security conditions on the ground. National ownership must be matched by sustained international partnership. Persistent insecurity in border areas, particularly Vakaga, and spillover from the war in Sudan demand continued vigilance. We condemn cross-border incursions by armed groups and stress the importance of regional cooperation to protect civilians and prevent further destabilization. The liquidity crisis must not undermine mandate implementation. Member States should pay assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions. As responsibilities are transferred, the United Nations country team and national institutions need the resources and capacity to carry them out. A task handed over must remain a task delivered. We reaffirm our support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic. We pay tribute to Special Representative Valentin Ragobiza, MINUSCA civilian and uniformed personnel, and all troop and police contributing countries. The measure of a successful transition will be the lasting security of the Central African Republic. And I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [19:11]: I thank the representative of Liberia for the statement, and I will now give the floor to the representative of China. China [19:19]: Thank you, President. Over the years, MINUSCA has played an important role in areas such as supporting the political process, maintaining security and stability, and extending state authority in the Central African Republic. The resolution just adopted renews the mandate of MINUSCA for one year, which is conducive to MINUSCA continuing to help the CAR consolidate existing gains. China welcomes this and voted in favor of this resolution. We appreciate the efforts made by the penholder to build consensus among parties. President, the CAR has entered an important stage of consolidating the gains of peace and enhancing its own capacities. The CAR government bears the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and stability and advancing development construction in the CAR. The international community should fully respect the sovereignty and ownership of the CAR and support the CAR government in actively advancing the cause of peace and development in accordance with its national conditions and priorities, while strengthening communication and coordination with neighboring countries with a view to achieving common security. China supports MINUSCA in fulfilling its duties as mandated by the Security Council. We hope that MINUSCA will take into full consideration the political and security situation in the CAR, uphold a gradual, operations-led, and results-oriented approach, focus on priority tasks, enhancing the effectiveness of its work, and steadily advance the transition process. We encourage the CAR government, with the support of international partners, to continuously strengthen its own capacity building and prepare for the grandeur handover of responsibilities from MINUSCA. China stands ready to work with parties to make new contributions to achieving lasting peace and stability, development, and prosperity in the CAR. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [21:17]: I thank the representative of China for the statement, and I will now give the floor to the representative of the United States. United States of America [21:24]: Thank you, Madam President. Successful peacekeeping missions work themselves out of a job. Thanks to MINUSCA, the situation in the Central African Republic is improving. Today, there is expanded state authority and increased security gains across the country. We must consider what comes next. MINUSCA’s identification of a political end state and its diligent, efficient, strategic work toward that goal has moved the country forward and the mission into consolidation and transition. As a Council, we should strive for all missions to follow MINUSCA’s example. We should maintain political pressure on the parties to enable the peacekeeping mission’s completion and departure. We should also hold missions accountable for making progress toward this same goal. This resolution recognizes MINUSCA’s progress and underscores the responsibility of the CAR Government to work with the mission on its upcoming transition. With this mandate, the Security Council is positioning MINUSCA for an eventual exit as conditions continue to improve. That is why the United States voted yes today. Today’s mandate lowers the uniformed personnel ceiling in the mission, which better reflects the conditions on the ground and aligns with MINUSCA’s reconfiguration. The mandate also removes electoral tasks from the mission’s mandate in recognition of CAR’s recent elections. The United States is committed to refocusing the UN Security Council on the basics of advancing international peace and security. The United States thanks France for its efforts to streamline and shorten MINUSCA’s mandate, as well as to incorporate U.S. edits within the final text. We have seen significant progress in CAR, but much remains to be done. We encourage MINUSCA and the CAR Government to continue working together to consolidate peace and security gains and move toward a future without a UN peacekeeping presence. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [23:22]: I thank the representative of the United States for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Greece. Greece [23:28]: Thank you, Madam President. We welcome the unanimous adoption of the resolution renewing the mandate of MINUSCA, and I wish to thank the penholder, France, for its leadership and constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. We are pleased that the resolution ensures adequate resources, including military personnel, for the peacekeeping mission to carry out its mandate effectively and safely while addressing ongoing security challenges. These resources are essential as the Central African Republic enters the important phase of consolidating the gains achieved over recent years. The renewed mandate provides MINUSCA with the necessary capabilities to protect civilians, support the extension of state authority, and contribute to a stable environment in which peace can take firm root. At the same time, we underline the importance of maintaining close cooperation between MINUSCA and the Government of the Central African Republic. We encourage continued efforts to advance the necessary conditions for a gradual, orderly, and sustainable transition of responsibilities to the national authorities. In this regard, we thank MINUSCA for its dedicated service and commitment, and we express our appreciation to all troop and police contributing countries for their continued commitment and valuable contribution to the work of the mission. Their dedication remains essential to the effective implementation of its mandate. Finally, Greece, also beyond its current term, as an elected member of the Security Council, will continue to support the people of the Central African Republic in their efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen stability, and build a peaceful and prosperous future for their country. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [25:27]: I thank Greece, the representative of Greece, for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Central African Republic. Central African Republic [25:40]: Madame President, allow me first of all to thank you for conducting our work and for the Latvian Presidency this month of November. I would like to thank France, the penholder on this resolution, for its availability and patiently pursuing a text that has brought the Council together. I thank the A3 group, which promoted the need for lasting peace and the need to listen to the country concerned. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the members of this Council for having taken the time to listen to the CAR’s concerns and for having contributed to translating those concerns into the resolution. I would above all like to underscore the significance of the unanimous vote that has just taken place. After frank, sometimes difficult consultations, the Council was able to overcome its disagreements over the future of the mission to affirm a common responsibility This result does not belong to any one delegation. It belongs to a collective commitment to peace in the Central African Republic. We receive this not as the victory of one position over another, but rather as a show of confidence that we need to respond to with results. Madam President. Throughout these negotiations, the members of the Council have naturally expressed different ideas about what MINUSCA should be in the future, regarding the tasks that it should keep and the role that national institutions should play, as well as the pace of change. Those ideas demonstrate the evolution in the attention that you are paying to the CAR. There is one conviction that I would equally frankly like to clarify, and that is that decisions relating to the future of a peace mission must be taken with the country that will live with the consequences of those decisions. National ownership must not be a formula that we recall in resolutions and then forget when it comes time to implement them. It requires listening to the government, taking its evaluation of the risks seriously, involving its institutions in planning, and together making sure that the conditions are ripe before transferring responsibility. It also presupposes that the government is aware of its own commitments. A genuine partnership does not free anyone of their obligations. Rather, it allows everyone to shoulder those responsibilities. Madam President, The Central African Republic is no longer in the situation that prevailed when MINUSCA was deployed in 2014. National institutions have steadily been rebuilt. The elections of December 2025 and April 2026 were an important step in the expansion of the State’s authority. The APPR is continuing to produce results. The resolution recognises progress made in DDR of 11 armed groups, while the process is continuing for other signatories. This progress is the result of the efforts of the people of the Central African Republic, of its government, of MINUSCA, of our partners, troop-contributing and police-contributing countries, and neighbouring countries. We have every reason to consider the Central African Republic as an example of reconstruction that is bearing fruit. But acknowledging progress should never lead us to underestimate what still needs to be done. The Secretary General's report reminds us this dual reality, political and security progress, real progress has been made, but there are still persistent threats, particularly in border areas. The violence in Am Dafok in Vakaga Prefecture led to the displacement of thousands of civilians and injured Blue Helmets. During the briefing to the Council, the Special Representative demonstrated how air capacity and MINUSCA’s rapid response was decisive in addressing this crisis. Any reconfiguration must where the risks remain high, preserve the capacity needed to prevent violence and effectively protect civilians. We take note of the new troop ceilings, the new uniformed personnel ceilings, and we hope that mobility, aviation, early warning, rapid reaction, and logistical support capacities will be commensurate with the responsibilities entrusted to the mission. A better targeted presence can be a more effective presence, but it should not become an absence where the population still needs protection. The situation on the borders, particularly the repercussions of the conflict in Sudan, requires particular vigilance. Our priority is still to strengthen surveillance of sensitive areas, cooperation with our neighbours, and the progressive deployment of the national forces. Thus, the protection of civilians and the preservation of the territorial integrity can be incorporated within the same strategy. Madam President, The year 2027 should be the year of a planned transition rather than one that is just announced. The interministerial committee that was put in place by the Government is, in that regard, an important instrument. With MINUSCA, it will allow us to examine responsibilities one by one: those that can be transferred right away, those for which additional support is essential, and those that should continue to be shouldered by the Mission until the conditions for their transfer are met. The success of this method will be based on shared criteria. The security situation must be looked at accurately, the effective presence of the administration, the capacity of the national forces, access to the population, the equipment that is available, and the necessary budgetary resources. We do not want to see a transfer of tasks on paper, which in the real world would allow, would not give the authorities the necessary resources to carry them out. Real capacities must also be provided. In that case, reform of the security sector reform is also essential. The Central African Republic wants to build professional security and defense forces that are responsible, inclusive, and unified, acting according to a clear national chain of command. The integration of former combatants can only be done through mechanisms provided for under the law on the basis of eligibility and verification criteria, which are rigorous. Our objective is to have a national institution that serves all CAR citizens, rather than the deepening of divisions that are resulting from the conflict. We want to prevent any re-enlisting. We must distinguish between the illegal resumption of armed activities from the regular reintegration of elements which have met the national conditions put in place. That clarification is needed to, in order to have confidence in the peace process. We appreciate the support of multilateral and bilateral partners for this reform. The diverse range of those partners is a resource when it is part of a coherent national strategy, with the coordination requirements in place, responsibility and respect for international law that everyone must comply with. The Government intends to fully take on this coordination role in close coordination with MINUSCA and all of its partners. Peacebuilding also requires the pursuit of DDR, support for lasting socioeconomic reintegration, fighting impunity, strengthening justice, including the Special Criminal Court, and the protection of women and children. The success of the transition cannot be measured alone by the reduction of soldiers. It will also be measured in terms of restored confidence, restored trust among citizens and their institutions, and its ability to prevent the return of violence. Madam President, the economic and institutional aspect of this transition cannot be secondary. In many localities, the lasting presence of the State means roads, judges, teachers, health personnel, and administrations that have the means to function. The National Development Plan 2024-2028 provides a national framework for that ambition. We hope that our financial partners, the United Nations organs, and the country team will support moving from a crisis response mindset to one of long-term consolidation. The reports in February, June, and October 2027 should, in this regard, be follow-up and monitoring tools, and we hope that those reports will discuss not only tasks that have been transferred or reconfigurations, but also the effects of those decisions in terms of the protection of the population, the ability capacities and national institutions, border security, and the continuity of essential services. The CAR government stands ready to work at every stage with MINUSCA and the Secretariat so that evaluations can be done jointly, precisely, and can be rooted in the reality on the ground. Madam President, lastly, I would like to say something about the role that the CER and MINUSCA can occupy in the history of peacekeeping. As we see it, what has been done since 2014 shows that a UN operation can help prevent the collapse of a country, support the return of its institutions, and create the conditions for a different future. We are convinced that MINUSCA is among those operations that best demonstrates the tangible utility of peacekeeping, not because everything is solved, but because it is helping to make possible a solution to a crisis which seemed out of reach. We hope that the CAR's experience will become a textbook case of a successful transition, not one of a mission that left too early, but rather one of a mission that was able to adapt its presence, pass on its responsibilities, and leave behind institutions that are capable of preserving peace. That would be a success for the Central African Republic, and it would also be a success for the United Nations and for this Council. We will remember not only that the Council was able to agree on the mandate, but also that it was able to ensure the resources were available to succeed. Thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [36:03]: Central African Republic for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. So the meeting is adjourned. The 10270th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is: the situation in the Middle East. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Yemen to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2026/898, the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favor of the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/898 please raise their hands? The result of the voting is as follows: the draft resolution received 15 votes in favor. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2837 of 2026. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the vote. I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [40:03]: Thank you, Madam President. Today's adoption by consensus demonstrates this Council's determination to take decisive action against reckless attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader region. I'd like to thank Council members for their constructive engagement. This resolution strengthens the implementation of arms embargo measures, ensuring that the Yemen sanctions regime keeps pace with the evolving threat from the Houthis. This includes the Houthis' reliance on dual-use components and precursor chemicals to underpin their local weapons manufacturing capabilities and their ability to launch destabilising attacks across the region. We welcome the Council's decision today to tackle this issue. We stand in solidarity with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of these attacks, and we reaffirm their right to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance with international law. We look forward to working with Council members in the coming months to agree a list of dual-use items to be subject to measures within the sanctions regime. Madam President, sanctions are not an end in themselves. They are a tool to constrain those who threaten Yemen’s peace and security, and to support the conditions for a durable, inclusive, and lasting peace. The severe humanitarian consequences of the Houthis’ decision to resume conflict makes this even more important. Today in Yemen, over 22 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection. More than 330,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting. The United Kingdom condemns the Houthis’ continued detention of United Nations, humanitarian, civil society and diplomatic personnel. and reiterates our call for their immediate and unconditional release. We will continue working with this Council and regional partners towards lasting peace for Yemenis and the wider region. Thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [42:16]: I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia. Somalia · A3 [42:25]: Madam President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and my own country, Somalia. The A3 voted in favor of resolution 2837 of 2026, renewing the Yemen sanctions regime and the mandate of the panel of experts assisting the committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 of 2014. We thank the penholder for his efforts during the negotiations. Our vote reflects the importance we attach to the work of 2140 Committee and to supporting the political process in Yemen. Holding accountable both individuals and entities that threaten Yemen's security and stability remains essential to the pursuit of sustainable peace. We remain concerned by the military escalations in and around Yemen and its consequences for civilians. as well as for stability in the Red Sea and the wider region. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could deepen the conflict. The A3 reaffirms its commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. We encourage all Yemenis to engage constructively under the United Nations' auspices to achieve an inclusive political settlement. We remain deeply concerned about the continued detention of United Nations personnel by the Houthis. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained United Nations staff. They must be able to carry out their work safely and without obstruction. In closing, Madam President, The A3 calls for the full implementation of this resolution and renews its commitment to support efforts to restore peace, stability, and security in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of its people. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [44:43]: I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain. Bahrain [44:52]: I thank you, President. At the outset, we wish to thank the UK as penholder for its efforts in facilitating negotiations and paving the way for the adoption of this resolution. We welcome the adoption of this resolution that renews the sanctions committee established in accordance with resolution 2140, which extends the mandate of the panel of experts on Yemen. We reiterate our support to the goals behind this resolution, namely in view of the current escalation of the Houthi war in Yemen, as well as terrorist attacks, repeated terrorist attacks targeting the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, not to mention continued threats to international navigation in Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea. These are condemned attacks that constitute a threat to regional peace and stability. We welcome, particularly, the strengthened enlisting criteria, which include attacks through UAVs as well as ballistic missiles, in addition to attacks and threats that target commercial vessels. in addition to arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel. We consider that these additions are of utmost importance to strengthen the sanctions regime and to keep pace with the constant threats from the Houthi terrorist militias. We reiterate the a statement issued by the GCC in its latest session in Manama, namely that the Houthi group is a terrorist one and that must be treated as such. Again, to other terrorist groups which threaten peace, security, and prosperity, all forms of support to such groups must be cut off, including those which allow them to grow their UAV and ballistic missile capacities. These attacks must be condemned. and the Security Council must strengthen all measures undertaken to apply its resolutions and to safeguard the security of Yemen as well as the freedom of navigation worldwide. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [47:35]: I thank the representative of Bahrain for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States. United States of America [47:44]: Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to the United Kingdom for your leadership on this resolution. The United States voted today to renew the 2140 Yemen sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts. Let me be direct about why. Consider the past four months. The Houthis declared an unlawful blockade against Saudi Arabia and threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping lane. They seized Mocha and islands at the mouth of the Red Sea by force. They fired on commercial vessels and struck a tanker off Yanbu. On October 10th, a terrorist Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. These victims were civilians, travelers, and families. Since then, the terrorist Houthis have struck airports in Dammam and Aden, Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh, and Saudi oil fields and pipelines. Saudi forces have intercepted Houthi drones headed towards Mecca and Medina. The Houthis have also caused a humanitarian catastrophe, cutting off their fellow Yemenis from food, clean water, and medical care. They are unlawfully laying siege to cities such as Taiz, where they have trapped hundreds of thousands as fuel and water supplies run dangerously low. This is not just a local conflict. It jeopardizes global energy markets and the navigational rights and freedoms that every nation in this chamber depends upon. The Council condemned these attacks in August. Today, it backed those words with action. The Houthis are an Iran-backed terrorist organization. They cannot build ballistic missiles. and long-range drones from scratch. They need guidance, electronics, engines, and chemical precursors from outside Yemen. Cut off from the parts, cut off the parts, and you cut off the missiles. The panel's June 2026 reports on dual-use components, precursor chemicals, and maritime interdiction said exactly that. Act on dual-use items to stop the Houthis' ability to terrorize the region. Let me add here our thanks and admiration to the Panel for the three excellent reports it has submitted this year, as well as the high standards of independence and impartiality that it already demonstrates. This resolution acts on the Panel’s recommendations. The Council committed to establish, by January, a list of specified dual-use items that Member States must not transfer to designated entities and individuals in Yemen. We will hold the Council to that deadline and to that list. Member States must also fully implement the targeted arms embargo and stop smuggling in Yemen by land and by sea. We regret the Council again failed to address the Houthis’ growing ties to other terrorist organizations in the region, including Al-Shabab. The UN freezes Al-Shabab’s assets, but not Houthi assets. The resolution also fails to reaffirm what this Council had already agreed to in 2022, when Houthis were launching similar attacks in the Gulf: to label the Houthis for what they are, a terrorist organization. These are missed opportunities. We condemn the Houthis’ unjust detention of UN, NGO, civil society, and diplomatic personnel, and call for their immediate and unconditional release. We strongly condemn the tragic death of an Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights staff member, which follows the death of a World Food Program staff member last year. The United States will use every tool available, including sanctions, to protect our people, our partners, and global commerce. We call on this Council to do the same. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [51:43]: I thank the representative of the United States for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of France. France [51:52]: Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, France voted in favor of the renewal of the sanctions regime established by resolution 2140, and in that regard, I would like to say four things. First of all, We thank and congratulate the UK penholders on their consultation and compromise efforts that allowed for the adoption of a text that is consensus-based and also ambitious. As the tensions rise in Yemen and in the region, this sends a clear signal that the Council condemns the escalation carried out by the Houthis in Yemen and their attacks against Saudi Arabia, a country with which it expresses its entire solidarity. This Council demands that the Houthis immediately cease all attacks, respect their legitimate government, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, cease their impingements upon freedom of navigation, and commit to the political process led by the UN. Madam President, strengthening the effectiveness of the 2140 sanctions regime is essential. Despite the arms embargo, the Houthis continue to increase their military capabilities thanks to arms trafficking, local production of drones and missiles, and financial resources that are feeding their war effort. To remain effective, the sanctions regime must adapt to that reality, and that is what this resolution allows for. By encouraging the sharing of information with the Yemeni government and by strengthening its ability to control imports, the Council is giving Yemen the means to ensure that the arms embargo is better respected. With an additional maritime security expert, the panel of experts will be better able to monitor traffic passing through the sea. By asking the panel of experts to continue the investigation of the Houthis' revenues, the Council could combat resources that are financing the war. And lastly, by expressing its intention to, by 11 January 2027, decide upon measures relating to dual-use components, this Council is giving itself the means to dry up the supplies that are allowing the Houthis to manufacture their own weapons, and France will fully participate in that. Third, The resolution reaffirms that the arbitrary detention of UN humanitarian and diplomatic personnel justifies sanctioning, and we welcome that. 70 United Nations staff members are still being held by the Houthis, and two have died in detention. We align ourselves with the we we we associate ourselves with the pain of the loved ones of those people, and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of those of all persons detained, as well as that of other humanitarian and diplomatic personnel that have been arbitrarily imprisoned. Madam President, lastly, we reaffirm our full support for the Special Envoy of the Secretary General, Mr. Hans Kundberg, and for his efforts for an inclusive political process that fully involves women. That process is the only thing that can once and for all put an end to the conflict. Thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [55:04]: I thank the representative of France for the statement, and I will now give the floor to the representative of China. China [55:16]: Thank you, President. China voted in favor of the resolution just adopted and commends the efforts made by the penholder. The current conflicts in the Middle East are dragging on, the situation on the ground in Yemen escalating rapidly, and the spillover effects continuing to widen. China is greatly concerned over the intensification of the conflicts. And China supports upholding the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of regional countries, including Yemen and Saudi Arabia. has consistently opposed attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and calls on all parties concerned to refrain from escalatory actions and to resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation. The Council has just adopted a resolution extending the Yemen mandate for one year. and intends to take appropriate measures regarding specific items. The resolution also emphasizes that the measures taken by the Member States for this purpose should not apply to humanitarian assistance or supplies for the basic needs of civilians, nor should they negatively impact normal and legitimate economic and trade activities. The Council sanctions are merely a means, not an end in themselves. We hope that the situation in Yemen will de-escalate as soon as possible, that the parties concerned return to the path of dialogue and negotiation, and that the necessary conditions be created for a political settlement of the Yemen issue. President, the Panel of Experts is an important component of the Council's sanctions mechanism, and its effectiveness has a significant impact on the functioning of that mechanism. The UN has specifically drawn up the regulations governing the status, basic rights, and duties of officials other than the Secretariat officials and experts on mission. On issues arising during the current Panel of Experts' term of office, the resolution reaffirms the requirements of its performance of its duties. We hope that the new panel of experts will accurately understand the Council’s requirements, strictly adhere to its mandate, and carry out its work up to the highest standards of independence, objectivity, and impartiality. Thank you, President. Latvia · President of the Security Council [57:34]: I thank the representative of China for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Greece. Greece [57:40]: Thank you, Madam President. We welcome the unanimous adoption of the resolution renewing the sanctions regime established under resolution 2140. We express our appreciation to the penholder, the United Kingdom, for its tireless efforts in steering the negotiations to consensus. Today's adoption shows the Council's determination to strengthen the sanctions regime and to curb the Houthis' destabilizing actions. The Houthis have shown alarming military adaptability, and their capabilities are increasingly advanced. They obtain advanced weaponry through illicit imports and extensive smuggling networks, mainly by the sea. They have also attained a disturbing degree of self-sufficiency in local production enabled by transfers of military technology and expertise from external actors. in violation of the sanctions regime, including the targeted arms embargo. The Panel of Experts has been clear on this in its final report and in two ad hoc reports produced pursuant to paragraph 15 and 16 of Security Council resolution 2801. We commend its dedicated work. The resolution attempts to reverse this trend and keep the sanctions regime relevant, effective, and responsive to these threats. It also underscores the need to step up efforts to prevent illicit arms transfers, including of critical components that could be diverted for military purposes, and to disrupt the networks that sustain and expand Houthi military capabilities. Madam President, Greece attaches particular importance to freedom of navigation, stronger maritime security safeguards, and greater efforts to prevent illicit maritime transfers. We therefore welcome the resolution's language on reinforcing maritime security in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and on addressing the continuing threats posed by the Houthis. Greece reiterates its steadfast commitment to safeguarding international shipping through EU naval operation ASPIDES, in line with its defensive mandate. We also welcome the expansion of the panel of experts to include dedicated maritime security expertise, which will give the committee the necessary guidance and support it needs in this area. We call on the immediate release of the arbitrarily detained United Nations staff personnel, NGOs, and diplomatic personnel. Systematic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, particularly against women and children, including the recruitment and use of children by the Houthis, also demand our increased attention. Sustained efforts are needed to ensure accountability and prevent further violations. In conclusion, Greece underscores the importance of full, consistent, and effective implementation of the sanctions regime by all members. States. This is essential to achieving its objectives and to advancing regional peace and security. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [1:01:06]: I thank the representative of Greece for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark. Denmark [1:01:12]: Thank you, Madam President. Denmark welcomes the renewal of the 2140 sanctions regime as an important tool for the Council to deter threats to peace, stability, and security of Yemen. Our vote in favor also reflects our support for the mandate of the Panel of Experts, as well as the targeted arms embargo, asset freeze, and travel ban measures. We commend the efforts of the UK as penholder to strengthen the sanctions regime and bridge the various positions expressed throughout the negotiations, and we appreciate the unanimous vote today. Madam President, as the recent escalation has clearly demonstrated, the continued illegal attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia undermine regional security. Denmark strongly condemns these attacks. As a Security Council, it is our responsibility to take action in response to prevent the supply of weapons to the Houthis. Despite the arms embargo, the Houthis have continued to expand their capabilities with support from Iran. They continue to relentlessly adapt their supply chains, smuggle arms, and undermine freedom of navigation by attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea. At the same time, they have arbitrarily detained staff from the UN, NGOs, civil society, former diplomatic staff, and other staff. Denmark condemns these reckless actions. In this vein, we welcome the strengthened language of this resolution in response to the growing threat posed by the Houthis. We also support the updated language on dual-use items and maritime security, as well as on the Panel of Experts. Denmark reaffirms our support for the vital role of the UN sanctions and call on all States to fully respect and fully uphold all aspects of this sanctions regime. I thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [1:03:10]: I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Panama. Panama [1:03:17]: Thank you, Madam President. The Republic of Panama recognizes and expresses its gratitude for the efforts of the United Kingdom in coordinating and drafting the draft resolution to renew the 2140 sanctions regime. The situation in Yemen requires a sustained commitment on the part of the Security Council. and responses that are in line with the complexity of the challenges facing the country. In this context, the sanctions regime and the Panel of Experts are important tools for supporting the Council's work through follow-up and evaluation mechanisms that facilitate informed decision-making that is based on technical criteria. Therefore, we believe it is essential that the renewal takes into account the conditions needed for the sanctions regime to effectively be able to fulfil its mandate and respond to the threats that are affecting peace and security in Yemen. Moreover, Panama welcomes the fact that this renewal strengthens the capacities of the Panel of Experts with the incorporation of specialised knowledge in the area of maritime security, thus expanding the scope of its work. Excellencies, The conflict and actors that are intervening in it are constantly changing, adapting to new circumstances and finding new ways to evade the mechanisms and regimes established by this Council. If we want our decisions to remain effective and relevant, we must acknowledge that the tools that we have at our disposal cannot remain static in the face of changing realities. The inability to adapt the scope, functioning, and application of them runs the risk of limiting their ability to respond to the challenges for which they were designed. Therefore, we call upon the members of this Council to take on this challenge collectively by promoting a constant revision of our regimes and making sure that they correspond to the current dynamics. This effort requires dialogue, cooperation, and a genuine consideration of the perspectives and considerations of all members. The adoption of a mandate should not represent the endpoint of our efforts. Our responsibility is also to make sure that the instruments that we adopt remain useful and continue to be able to respond to a international environment that is ever changing. Thank you very much. Latvia · President of the Security Council [1:06:03]: I thank the representative of Panama for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan. Pakistan [1:06:12]: Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Pakistan welcomes the adoption of this resolution, renewing the sanctions measures established under resolution 2140 and extending the mandate of the panel of experts supporting the committee's work. We appreciate the constructive efforts of the UK as the penholder throughout the negotiation process. Pakistan voted in favor of the resolution to reaffirm the importance we attach to the work of the 2140 committee. Holding accountable individuals and entities that threaten Yemen's peace, security, and stability remains essential to creating conditions for a durable peace. This renewal comes against the backdrop of a deeply concerning escalation. Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms the continued Houthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan stands in full and unwavering solidarity with the leadership, government, and brotherly people of Saudi Arabia. Our support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability is resolute. Consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law, we support its legitimate right to defend its territory and protect its citizens and residents. We demand an immediate and unconditional cessation of these reprehensible Houthi attacks. Effective implementation of the sanctions regime also requires full respect for the institutional framework established by the Council. The Panel’s work in accordance with this mandate and with professionalism, impartiality, and consistency will strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of its output and contribute to better outcomes. Madam President, in closing, Pakistan reaffirms its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, and for UN-led efforts to advance an inclusive Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led political process. We remain committed to supporting all efforts to restore peace, stability, and security in Yemen and alleviate the profound humanitarian suffering of its people. Thank you. Latvia · President of the Security Council [1:08:27]: I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:08:36]: Madam President, the Russian Federation voted in favour of the draft prepared by the UK on extending by 12 months of the sanctions regimes of the Council on Yemen and of the Panel of Experts of the 2140 Sanctions Committee. My country, as a permanent member of the Security Council, is guided by the fact that the sanctions introduced by the Security Council are there to first and foremost help with a political settlement and the stabilization of whatever crises erupt. We think it’s unacceptable to use them for individual political purposes so as to punish or exert greater pressure on parties to the conflict. And this also fully applies in the context of Yemen, where we are currently witnessing yet another round of very serious military escalation. Some delegations in this Council approach, under which a comprehensive military and sanctions pressure on one of the key players in Yemen, is a kind of approach that we think is short-sighted and is harmful for the prospects of domestic normalization. Using force against the Ansar Allah movement has shown that it is doomed to failure on many an occasion. And of course, strikes against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports, is something that needs to be condemned, as well as impediments to the freedom of navigation in the waters adjacent to Yemen. But it would be wrong to place all of the blame for this on the Ansar Allah movement. Antagonizing that key player in Bama will not lead to their disappearance from the chessboard. It will only further radicalize the situation. We think it is unacceptable to undertake any kind of steps which impede the implementation of peace initiatives, including the roadmap, which was earlier agreed by the parties. Unfortunately, the document passed by Security members today is not entirely free from imbalanced language, which present the situation in Yemen in a one-sided way. More than that, it is largely based on the 2624 Security Council resolution, which was passed at an earlier stage of settlement before the roadmap was agreed. We think that at subsequent stages, what will be needed is to update the legal basis, including the relevant decisions on this by the Council. Furthermore, in the current resolution, we have language which is equivocal about the intention of undertake measures to prevent dual-use components ending up in Yemen. We would like to recall here that such goods are not armaments or accompanied equipment, and any restrictions on them should not impede legal, commercial, and humanitarian activity with this long-suffering country. We finally call on everyone to recognize that the only viable way of solving the Yemeni equation is an inclusive dialogue under the aegis of the UN with the participation of all significant political forces in the country, including the Houthis. And we call on the Special Envoy of the Secretary General, Hans Grunberg, to base himself on this logic. And Russia, in turn, will continue extending to him the necessary support. I thank you for your attention. Latvia · President of the Security Council; Representative [1:12:42]: I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement, and I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Latvia. But we voted in favor of this resolution, and we welcome its unanimous adoption. We would like to thank the United Kingdom as penholder for its exemplary work throughout the negotiation process. We would like to use this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the panel of experts for their diligent work in supporting the 2140 Sanctions Committee, and we commend their continued commitment to independent, impartial, and evidence-based reporting. FATF welcomes the request to the Secretary General to expand the Panel of Experts on Yemen to six members through the addition of dedicated expertise in maritime security, as well as enhancing the panel's reporting scope. The expanded expertise and additional reporting will better inform the Council in its future deliberations and send a clear signal of the Council's continued vigilance and determination to ensure effective implementation of the sanctions regime. It also welcomes the increased emphasis on practical cooperation and capacity-building support for the Government of Yemen, which is essential given the significant responsibility it bears in preventing illicit arms flows, implementing the sanctions regime, and contributing to Yemen’s security and stability. While we would have preferred to see the Council take swift and more decisive steps to prevent dual-use items intended for military purposes from reaching the Houthis. Closing procurement and diversion pathways is essential to curbing the Houthis' expanding domestic weapons production capabilities. Latvia condemns the Houthis' attacks against Saudi Arabia and international shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the attacks against fellow Yemenis. They exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation and pose a serious threat to freedom of navigation and international peace and security. Latvia stands in solidarity with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and reiterates their right to defend themselves. Looking ahead. Latvia hopes that the Council will demonstrate the necessary resolve in its forthcoming decisions to ensure that the 2140 sanctions regime remains effective, targeted, and responsive to evolving methods of procurement, financing, smuggling, and domestic weapons production. And we also reiterate our commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen. I now resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen. Yemen [1:15:49]: Madam President, at the outset, I congratulate you for presiding over the Council during this month. I wish you and your team all success. I also extend our appreciation to the members of the Council for the adoption of today’s resolution, renewing the sanctions regime established under resolution 2140 of 2014. We also thank the United Kingdom, the penholder, for their efforts in facilitating the negotiations effectively. Madam President, The adoption of this resolution comes at a critical moment when Yemen and the region are witnessing a grave escalation by the Houthi terrorist militias. and their continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure inside Yemen, and their trans-border attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as their ongoing threats for maritime security, the freedom of navigation, and the safety of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. While we welcome the clear condemnation of this Houthi military escalation included in the resolution, and we welcome the fact that the Council is calling on the Houthis to end their military activities and their attacks immediately and without conditions, we regret that the Council was not able to agree on naming things with their names. and describing the Houthi militias as terrorist groups, especially in light of their rich terrorist records, including attacks against civilians, civilian objects, and their trans-border attacks, and their targeting of commercial vessels and international navigation, their grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. We reaffirm that not mentioning all this in the resolution It does not absolve the supporters of the Houthis from their responsibilities. We reaffirm that achieving stability and security in Yemen and the region requires a clearer and more decisive international position towards the Houthis and their terrorist activities. The resolution includes provisions strengthening the targeted arms embargo imposed under resolution 2216. This is a positive step that curbs the flow of military technologies and weapons, allowing the Houthi militias to pursue their military escalation and to expand the scope and rate of their terrorist attacks, undermining peace efforts. We especially welcome the fact that Member States have encouraged practical cooperation with the Government of Yemen, including through the exchange of information, provision of technical support, capacity building and supporting our maritime forces to enhance our supervision of imports. We also welcome the efforts to fight the illegal smuggling of weapons. Madam President, the Houthi terrorist militias are acquiring advanced weapons and dual-use components. They are increasing their capabilities to locally produce weapons, including drones. All these are major challenges that undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions regime. It represents a global threat that requires a more decisive and coordinated global response. In this context, I mentioned that the resolution mentioned that the Security Council will be taking in January 2027 additional steps to prevent the acquisition by the Houthis of dual-use components and chemical precursors, where he affirmed the need for the Council to adopt practical and effective measures within the defined timeline in order to confront all the illicit flows and to make sure that the Houthi militias will not acquire the components and technologies allowing them to develop their military capabilities and to pursue their attacks. We also welcome the expansion of the mandate of the Panel of Experts and increasing its numbers to six members and adding experts in maritime navigation. and expanding their responsibilities to include submitting recommendations on how to improve the tracking and use of dual-use components in the weaponry systems of the Houthis. In addition to improving the exchange of information regarding vessels that are suspected to carry weapons or dual-use components, and also to follow and track any financial illicit flows supporting the Houthis, it also enlarges the designation criteria to include threats to attack commercial vessels and trans-border attacks using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and the arbitrary detention of UN personnel, diplomatic personnel, and humanitarian workers. We also mentioned that dozens of such personnel are still being detained by the Houthis, and one of the UN personnel have deceased while in detention by the Houthis. In this context, we reaffirm the need for a transparent, comprehensive investigation in the in this incident and the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable, including perpetrators of attacks against civilians, including the attacks by the Houthis against Ta’izz city. The Houthis are using starvation as a means of war. They are hindering the provision of humanitarian assistance, food, and medication to civilians. We also call for the immediate, unconditional release of all the detainees, including UN personnel. And we call for immediately lifting the blockade on Taiz and guarantee humanitarian access effectively and without obstacles. The government of Yemen reiterates its readiness to fully coordinate with the panel established under resolution 2140, the panel of experts, and all concerned countries. We are ready to provide you with the necessary facilities and information to implement this resolution and to consolidate our efforts to dry up the sources of funding and provision of weapons to the Houthis. Madam President, sanctions are not an end in itself. They are an important tool to support our peace efforts. They also support the stability and security of Yemen, the region, and the entire world. It is important to protect civilians, to enforce Security Council resolutions. We reiterate our commitment to a genuine, comprehensive, and lasting peace. According to the agreed-upon references, including the GCC initiative and the implementation mechanisms and the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and Security Council resolution, especially resolution 2216. We also welcome the fact that the Security Council has reiterated its commitment to the sovereignty of Yemen, its unity, territorial integrity, and independence, and that the Council is supporting an inclusive political process that is Yemeni-led and owned under the auspices of the UN. We support the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General aiming at reaching a comprehensive political settlement that would end the current situation and that would restore state institutions and give the State the monopoly of weapons and the monopoly of the war and peace decision, while ending the existence of military groups and extending its authority on all its territories and territorial waters in order to meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people to prosperity, peace, and stability. In conclusion, my Government reaffirms that the true importance of the resolution lies in its implementation on the ground and in the ability of the international community and of the Council to translate its provisions into tangible measures that will curb the flow of weapons and would enforce the targeted arms embargo. holding the perpetrators accountable while supporting the ability of the Yemeni state to protect its citizens and territorial integrity. We look forward to collaborating with the Council and friendly and sisterly countries and the UN as a whole to guarantee the full effective implementation of this resolution and to build on its additional provisions in the coming period in a manner that supports peace, security, and stability in Yemen and the region. Thank you, President. Latvia · President of the Security Council [1:25:41]: I thank the representative of Yemen for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers, so the meeting is adjourned.