New Zealand calls for return to talks to end Yemen conflict

The New Zealand government on Thursday welcomed the United Nations Security Council resolution on Yemen and called for the resumption of talks between all parties involved in the conflict.

"We are deeply concerned by the situation in Yemen and the impact the conflict is having on civilians," Foreign Minister Murray McCully said in a statement.

"Without political dialogue and the Houthis returning to the negotiating table, the crisis in Yemen will only continue to deepen."

New Zealand recognized the legitimacy of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government and the interests of Yemen's neighbors in maintaining regional security.

"Through our role on the United Nations Security Council we have supported a resolution put forward by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which urges all parties to facilitate the delivery of aid, and calls for a return to talks," said McCully.

"We commend the leadership shown by Jordan, as the current president of the Security Council, in passing this resolution," he said.

"New Zealand will continue working with other Security Council members to find a political solution to the situation in Yemen and ensure the plight of civilians is addressed."