UN chief voices concern over escalation in Yemeni conflict
United Nations, May 10: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the recent and sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict, between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels, said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
Airstrikes by the Saudi-led military coalition hit a government building in the rebel-held Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Monday, and the Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles on Sunday and Wednesday toward different targets in Saudi Arabia, including the capital city of Riyadh, Xinhua news agency reported.
The secretary-general reminded all parties to the conflict that they must uphold international humanitarian law, including taking steps to protect civilians, said Dujarric in a statement. "All potential violations of international humanitarian law should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible for violations must be held accountable."
The UN chief appealed to the parties to refrain from further escalation. He reminded the parties that a negotiated political settlement through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue is the only way to end the conflict and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, said the statement.
Yemen has been in civil war since 2015, pitting Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The Saudi-led military coalition is fighting the Houthis in a bid to restore the Hadi government.
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Five to six opposition MLAs might cross over to Mahayuti in few months: NCP chief whip Anil Patil
Mumbai, Nov 24: There is unrest in the Maha Vikas Aghadi camp and its five to six MLAs might join the ruling Mahayuti in the next few months, claimed NCP chief whip Anil Patil, who has retained his Amalner assembly seat, on Sunday.
The MVA of Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a crushing blow in the Maharashtra assembly polls, winning only 46 of the state's 288 seats. By contrast, the BJP-led ruling coalition, which also has NCP and Shiv Sena as partners, bagged an impressive 230 seats.
“There is tremendous unrest among some NCP (SP), Congress and Sena (UBT) MLAs who have been re-elected. Those having good relations with us have expressed concerns over MVA’s massive defeat,” Patil told Marathi news channel ABP Majha.
If one wants development works in his constituency, it is good to be in power, said the legislator from Ajit Pawar’s party.
“The MVA MLAs feel their future is uncertain. It shouldn’t be a surprise if five to six MLAs cross over to the Mahayuti in the next four months,” he said.
In the results of the Maharashtra polls declared on Saturday, BJP won in 132 constituencies, while its partners Shiv Sena and NCP walked away with 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
From the MVA camp, Shiv Sena (UBT) bagged 20 seats followed by Congress’ 16 and 10 by NCP (SP).
