Yemen facing “total collapse” as fighting continues: UNMay 31, 2017 - 11:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nation's top humanitarian co-ordinator has said Yemen is facing "total social, economic and institutional collapse," BBC News reports. Stephen O'Brien was speaking to the UN Security Council, telling members that "urgent action is required". Yemen is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, with almost seven million people on the brink of famine. An outbreak of cholera has also killed 500 people, and the UN expects 150,000 cases in the next six months. Mr O'Brien said the suffering of Yemenis was not a coincidence, or the "result of forces beyond our control" - but rather the fault of those involved and inaction by world powers. "The people of Yemen are being subjected to deprivation, disease and death as the world watches," he said. "Crisis is not coming, it is not looming, it is here today - on our watch," he added. He said that despite "generous pledges" only 24% of the $2.1 billion needed for humanitarian aid had been received. For the past two years, the country has been embroiled in fighting between forces loyal to the internationally recognised president, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Shia Houthi rebels. Al-Qaeda, meanwhile, has taken advantage of the chaos to reinforce its presence in the south and south-east of the country. More than 8,000 people - mostly civilians - have been killed and close to 44,500 others injured since the conflict escalated in March 2015, UN figures say. An estimated 18.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Also speaking today to the UN Security Council was the UN envoy for Yemen, Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who had just returned from talks in the country. But neither side has been willing to compromise, he said, and "the call for peace... is still falling on deaf ears". "The reluctance of the key parties to embrace the concessions needed for peace, or even discuss them, remains extremely troubling," he said. "Yemenis are paying a price for their needless delay." Photo: AP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |