Washington, DC - Friday, Deputy Secretary Sullivan and USAID Administrator Green met with representatives of international and non-governmental organizations on the conflict in Yemen.

The organizations described obstacles to crucial humanitarian and commercial shipments to Yemen, and identified urgent needs of civilians, including those internally displaced by the conflict. They observed that levels of food and fuel imports remained insufficient, as did incomes needed to support the purchase of food where available. They also expressed concern about escalating military activity that could derail the peace initiatives of UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths.

The Deputy Secretary and the Administrator underscored the Administration’s deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. They also highlighted the Administration’s commitment to pushing all parties to facilitate access by humanitarians and engage actively with UN Special Envoy Griffiths on a renewed political process.

The Deputy Secretary expressed strong U.S. support for the efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths to reach a political resolution to this conflict, which is the only sustainable path toward ending the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Yemen. “No party should obstruct the delivery of food, fuel and assistance to any part of Yemen,” stressed Deputy Sullivan.

The United States continues to assert that a political solution is the only way to advance long-term stability in Yemen.