EU criticises Houthi constitutional declaration as illegitimate

The EU Monday called on all political forces, particularly the Houthis, to take clear responsibility for their actions, starting by unequivocally rejecting violence and coercion as political tools.
"Disrespect for State institutions, as well as attacks on and restriction to movements of officials are unacceptable," said the EU foreign ministers in a statement after discussing the situation in Yemen this afternoon.
"In this context, the EU is gravely concerned by the unilateral so-called Constitutional declaration issued by Ansar Allah on 6 February, which it considers to have no legitimacy," noted the statement.
It recalled that "only a broad political consensus amongst the main political groups, setting a clear path towards a Constitutional referendum and elections, can provide a sustainable solution to the current crisis," urging all parties to return to genuine dialogue and inclusive negotiations, in particular those conducted by the UN.
The ministers welcomed and expressed support to the announcement of the resumption of inclusive negotiations today under UN auspices.
"The framework provided by the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative, the National Dialogue Conference's (NDC) outcomes and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement should remain the reference points for the Yemeni transition. All regional actors should contribute positively to this process," it said.
The EU called for the immediate release of President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi, Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and members of the Cabinet from house arrest and said it is following recent developments in Yemen with grave concern.
"The violence witnessed in Sanaa, in Mareb and in several other provinces, which led to the announcement of the resignations of President Hadi and of Prime Minister Bahah and his Cabinet on 22 January, as well as subsequent developments over the last two weeks have put the promises of the Yemeni transition in jeopardy," it said.
"These developments are hindering prospects for a prosperous, stable, democratic and united Yemen, and threaten the territorial integrity of the country and the stability of the region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation," stated the statement.
The EU urged all actors to work constructively towards a swift finalization of a new Constitution which meets the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people, reflects the NDC Outcomes, and preserves the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen to which the EU is strongly attached.
It stressed on the urgency for a stable and legitimate political framework to enact much needed economic reforms, including by taking decisive actions to improve fiscal sustainability and fighting corruption in the public administration, in support of those most in need.
The EU warned that severe humanitarian crisis may further deepen if political stability is not restored and urged all parties to safeguard humanitarian principles and ensure humanitarian access on the ground.
The EU expressed its deep concern about intensified terrorist attacks, including by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) within Yemen. It condemned such terrorist attacks in the strongest terms and reiterated its firm commitment and enduring determination to tackle terrorist violence, in Yemen and the broader region.
The EU said that it continues to closely follow the situation in Yemen and stands by the Yemeni people at this critical juncture and reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting Yemen in its transition.