Russia calls for ‘pause’ in Yemen airstrikes

UNITED NATIONS – Russia urged the U.N. Security Council on Saturday to call for a “humanitarian pause” in airstrikes by a Saudi-led military coalition to allow evacuation of foreigners from Yemen and unhindered access to deliver aid to civilians caught in the fighting between Shiite rebels and supporters of the country’s beleaguered president.

Russia called an emergency meeting of the council and circulated a draft resolution demanding “regular and obligatory” breaks in airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi Shiite rebels to allow foreign personnel to leave the country. It makes no mention of a halt to fighting by the Houthis.

The draft, obtained by the Associated Press, also demands “rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches people in need.”

After the meeting, Jordan’s U.N. Ambassador Dina Kawar, the current council president, said members “reiterated concern over the grave humanitarian situation” and again called for implementation of a resolution demanding an end to the fighting in Yemen and a return to negotiations.

She said council members need time to consider the Russian draft resolution.

The Gulf Cooperation Council previously proposed a draft resolution that would impose an arms embargo on the Houthis, whose main backer is Iran. Kawar said talks would continue between a few council members and the GCC on both measures.

The GCC includes Yemen’s neighbors Saudi Arabia and Oman as well as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

“We hope that by Monday we can come up with something,” Kawar said.