NEW YORK — The UN Security Council has welcomed the Saudi peace initiative launched on March 22 to end the Yemeni crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution. In a press statement issued on Friday, the Security Council stressed that the Saudi initiative is in line with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths’ peace proposal. The proposal entails a nationwide ceasefire, reopening of Sanaa International Airport and allowing fuel and food imports through the port of Hodeidah. The statement indicated that the Security Council called on all Yemeni parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy and negotiate without preconditions, for an immediate ceasefire throughout the country and a comprehensive political settlement, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions. The Security Council also urged comprehensive and equal female and youth participation in the talks in accordance with relevant resolutions, underlying its members’ commitment to the sovereignty and territorial unity of Yemen. The Council also called on Yemeni parties to continue implementing the provisions of the Riyadh Agreement. The Security Council members also denounced the cross-border attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi on Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to the Houthis’ escalation against Yemeni city of Marib. The Council also held the Houthi militia accountable for the danger posed by the Safer oil tanker, calling on Houthis to ensure an immediate and unconditional access of the UN experts to inspect and repair the long-abandoned fuel tanker off the coast of Yemen. — SPA