YEMENI PEACE TALKS IN BIEL
STUDY GUIDE
Tibet Seheri
Under-Secretary-General
Emre Ersoy
Academic Assistant
Vefa Lisesi Model United Nations Conference
March 31st – April 3rd, 2017
Istanbul, Turkey
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION…
2
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
3
GENERAL OVERVIEW
4
MAJOR PARTIES/COUNTRIES INVOLVED…
5
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ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND LEVANT
AL-QAEDA IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
HOUTHIS
RELEVANT UN DOCUMENTS
6
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
7
PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE
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POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
10
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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1
Introduction
Republic of Yemen, formerly Yemen Arab Republic (or North Yemen) and People's
Democratic Republic of Yemen (or South Yemen) is an Arab country located in the Middle East
which has borders to the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea (but even though it has really
limited natural freshwater resources) .Although Yemen has a high strategic advantage of being so
close to the world’s most crucial chokepoint* namely the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen is the poorest
country in the Middle East having a history of turbulence, numerous divisions, conflicts and civil
wars.
Yemen has a low-income and faces with difficult long-term challenges in order to grow and
stabilize its economy because of the ongoing war in Yemen it affected the currency rate, inflation
has increased and it made it more difficult to find food and water resources and of course the past
and current conflicts have made the economy even worse.
Yemen’s economy was mostly based on crude oil production and petroleum refining and
production of cotton textiles. But because of the war production of these goods and their businesses’
gaining’s decreased approximately 72% in the last years. The Yemeni Government still regularly
faces annual budget shortfalls and has tries to expand the Yemeni economy through reform
programs designed to bolster non-oil sectors. But unfortunately it was just a short-term solution for
the economy and currently at least 82 % of the Yemeni population needs humanitarian assistance.
The Yemeni Civil war is an ongoing crisis
which began on 19th of March which
mainly started between forces of President
Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the ones
allied to Zaidi Shia rebels, also known as
Houthis, who are believed to support
former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
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l-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and
the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have also been involved in the war and have carried out
attacks. Currently in Yemen numerous conflicts are taking place, to give details about conflicts;
According to Cecile Pouilly, representing United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights; after the suspension of peace talks between sides there has been an important escalation in
civilian deaths. ‘In August during the conflicts 180 civilian died, 268 are injured. Comparing to
July 2016 the death rank has increased 40%’.
United Arab Emirates has announced that they will be giving 16.8 million dollars worth
financial aid and humanitarian aid kits to Yemeni victims.
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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon castigated the attack which coalition forces
-led by Saudi Arabia- made in El-Hudeyhe on September 21.
Just a few days ago on September 26 according to an Iranian newspaper ‘Mashreq News’
stated that there has been a new team which has intensely trained and named 7/7 team and
considered that they can change the situation i the region by being Yemen’s most effective team with
their high quality, modern weapons.
Definition of Key Terms
Shia Islam
One of the two main branches of Islam, followed by about a tenth of Muslims, especially in
Iran, that rejects the first three Sunni caliphs and regards Ali, the fourth caliph, as Muhammad's
first true successor.
Sunni Islam
‘One of the two main branches of Islam, commonly described as orthodox, and differing
from Shia in its understanding of the Sunna and in its acceptance of the first three caliphs.’
Coup D’état
Coup attempt. Sudden defeat of a government through illegal force by a small
military group often made to make political changes in countries current government.
(example: July 15 2016, Turkey)
Zaidiyyah
‘A member of any of various branches of Shi’ism, concentrated mainly in the
southern Arabian Peninsula, that accept the authority though not the infallibility of living
imams as temporal and spiritual successors to Muhammad.’
Arab Spring
‘A series of uprisings in Arab countries,
beginning in Tunisia in December 2010, in which
protesters challenged the existing authoritarian
regimes.’
Proxy War
A proxy war is a conflict or struggle between
two nations, neither of which directly engage the other in war.
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General Overview
Yemen’s early history is
shaped by ongoing conflicts and
political instability. During the
1960’s the country was divided into
two parts the northern part, which
was ruled by a closed group of
Imams, and the southern part,
which was a British colony
at that time. By 1962 a military coup
made to overthrow the existing northern government (president Imam Muhammed el Bekir) and soon
after the Yemen Arab Republic was proclaimed. Imam escaped to Saudi Arabia and tried to regain
presidency in Yemen by asking help from Shia tribes to fight back. While Jordan and Saudi Arabia
were providing military supply to the royal sympathizers; The Republicans were supported by Egypt
and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Meanwhile the Southern part which was serving as
a British colony, the port of Aden has become a great strategic and geopolitical significance in the
area since it was located in Red Sea. Following the foundation of the Nationalist Liberation Front
(NLF) a revolution of the native Yemeni population broke out and fought against the British rule.
With a success this event led to the establishment of People’s Republic of Yemen in 1967. The
People's Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) was severely influenced by socialistic ideologies -unlike
its neighboring countries (Oman, Saudi Arabia and Djibouti) ‐ that was often described as the only
Marxist state which believed Marxism in the entire Arab world.
On 22 May 1990, the northern and the southern governments decided upon the joint
governing of Yemen and therefore the merging of the two countries with Ali Abdullah Salah serving
as the very first official Yemen President. The position of Vice-President was appointed to the
former President of South Yemen, Ali Salim al-Beidh, while at same time a cooperated parliament
was formed and a uniting constitution was agreed upon.
Even though two governments seemed to made an agreement regarding the alliance of both
countries, problems continued occurring and eventually in 1994 conflicts led to a civil war. After the
war has concluded Yemen become a country which is financially broke and divided both in social
and political ways.
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Major Countries / Parties Involved
Iran
Iran is considered as the Houthis’ one of the biggest supporters on an international level as
well as their main financial resource. Apart from the economic support that Islamic Republic of Iran
provides to the group, many claims that Iran has often assisted the insurgent movement militarily.
The strong relationship that have been developed between the group and Iranian government is
because they both have similar geopolitical goals that the two sides share. More specifically, Iran
questions Saudi Arabia and United States dominance of the region and the Houthis seek to
challenge Hadi’s government which has always been backed by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
On that basis it is clear that Houthis’s alliance with Iran stems from a mutual opposition to Saudi
Arabia’s and United States’ involvement in the issue.
Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL)
On 13 November 2014, ISIL announced that a branch of the group had been established in
Yemen, following pledges of allegiance made by unidentified militants in the country. al-Qaeda in
the Arabian Peninsula(AQAP), the strongest militant group in the country, rejected this
establishment. By December of that year, ISIL had begun to build an active presence inside Yemen,
and its recruitment drive brought it into direct competition with AQAP. ISIL is active in the Yemeni
region, fighting AQAP, Houthis, Yemeni State forces and Saudi forces.
Al‐ Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
AQAP is considered as one of the most active terrorist
groups in Yemen which had so many benefits from the
ongoing conflicts in the region because their base is in the
eastern part of Yemen.
Coordinating multiple terrorist attacks not only in
many of the biggest cities of Yemen but also out of the
country’s borders, AQAP is also fighting against both the
Houthis, the government forces and American anti‐ terrorism
troops which are currently located in the country.
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United States of America
Since 1990s the United States’ presence in Yemen has became obvious on account of the
multiple United States interests in the region. Firstly, Yemen is considered as one of the key
countries - because of Strait of Hormuz - in order to transport oil safely from the Arabian Peninsula,
to be more specific, Yemen’s neighboring country Saudi Arabia securing the area and stabilizing
the current situation in Yemen is being seemed as an important step so that United States can make
their oil- trade without any threat from the region.
To be more specific the United States is fully supporting the Saudi‐ led intervention in
Yemen which tries to prevent Iran from gaining power over the country through the Houthi
uprising. US navy has made their existence clear in the area, by strengthening warships which
has reached Yemen’s coast in 2015. Moreover, since Yemen is a base for Al Qaeda’s most
active branches (AQAP) , Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, attracted US attention in the
context of counter‐ terrorism. To be clear and conclude US’s policy on Yemen; the US
government seeks a Yemeni government which will collaborate with United States on possible
counter‐ terrorism programs in order to limit the expansion of terrorist groups in the area.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is considered as the most involved country to the conflict in Yemen - mostly
because their geographical location-, as a result of the firm support they are having towards the
former Yemeni government, the Houthi insurgency has been seen with strong disapproval by Saudi
Arabia, leading to unilateral military operations against the rebel forces. The establishment of a
Shia Muslim country which will be ruled by the Houthis on the southern border of Yemen is
something that Saudi Arabia desires since their country primarily consist of Sunni Muslims.
Houthi
The Houthis, officially referred as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God) is a Zaidi Shia-led social
political movement that emerged from Sa’dah (capital of Yemen) northern Yemen in the 1990s and
has fought against the central government on and off since 2004.The conflict between Yemen's
Houthi movement and Saudi supported forces has been ongoing but the Shia group's roots go far
deeper.
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In June 2004 Yemen was struck by the
Houthi insurgency which emerged as a result
of the strong religious accusations targeting
the Yemeni government. Houthi was killed by
Yemeni troops and one of his brothers
became the new leader of the insurgency
which took his name. Later that year Hussein
Badreddin al-Houthi launched an uprising
against the Yemeni government claiming that
they are defending their community from
discrimination. Yemen claimed that Iran was
financially supporting the Houthi insurgency.
Between 2004 and 2010 the group continued their acts with intensity resulting in a fierce
armed conflict which led to numerous clashes between the two sides.
With the influence of Arab Spring in 2011 Houthi also reached Yemen and the Houthis
used the anti‐ government protests for their cause. The pressure exerted by the rebels made
president Saleh resign after a 33‐year rule.
Relevant United Nations Documents
A/HRC/RES/27/19 (2014)
It was written on the topic of ‘Technical assistance and capacity-building for Yemen in the field of
human right’
Recognition of the promotion and protection of human rights in Yemen are key factors in ensuring a
fair and equitable justice system and, ultimately, reconciliation and stability in the country,
A/HRC/RES/30/18
Resolution requested technical assistance in the field of human rights and to assist a national
commission on inquiry from the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights.
A/RES/108 (108)
Resolution admitted Democratic Yemen (the People’s Republic of Southern Yemen) as a
member of the United Nations.
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SC/12184
Press Release - expressed its concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and
urged countries involved to conflicts to ceasefire.
SC/12026
Press Release - On Yemen Sanctions Committee meeting to find solutions to financial
sanctions and international humanitarian law issues.
A/RES/2216
This resolution demanded the Houthis to withdraw from all seized areas and to relinquish
all seized arms, and established an arms embargo on the Houthis and forces loyal to former
president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2210 (adopted on February 15, 2015)
Previous Attempts to Resolve the Issue
The foreign affairs minister of Qatar,
Muhammed bin Abdurrahman Al Sani stated
that there has been a meeting held between
Ismail Vild Şeyh Ahmed, United Nations
Representative of Yemen in order to discuss
upon the current situation and to find
solutions. As respond to Houthi’s who are
still fighting with the government forces,
rejected to give their ballistic missiles
The foreign affairs minister of United
States of America, John Kerry announced that they have been working on a new plan and methods in
order to solve the current crisis in Yemen, the plan is to have a new joint government where Houthi’s
will take part in and will be demand Houthi’s to pull back from San’a.
Kerry,held a meeting in Jidda,Saudi Arabia where United Kingdom’s minister
responsible for Middle East, the Foreign Affairs Ministers who are member of Gulf CoOperation Council, United Nation Special Representative of Yemen, İsmail Vild Seyh Ahmad
and the Secretary General of Gulf Co- Operation Council,Abdullatif bin Raşit ez-Zeyyani
attended to discuss solutions, after the meeting minister of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia,
Adil el-Cubeyr organized a press conference.
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As respond the proposal of United States of America, Houthi’s who are still fighting with
the government forces, rejected to give their ballistic missiles.
According to a press release in order to respond Mr. Kerry’s proposal which was made by
Houthi’s and former Prime Minister Ali Abdullah Salih: ‘If they want to take our weapons away, we
will not be afraid to take their lives as well.’
There had been a few United Nations and Governmental attempts to solve the
issue but unfortunately none of the worked and bring peace back to Yemen.
Timeline of Events
1918
Ottoman empire dissolves; North Yemen gains independence and starts to ruled by
Imam Yahya.
1967
Formation of People's Republic of Yemen. (South Yemen)
1978
Ali Abdallah Saleh becomes the president of North Yemen.
1979
Another fight between two Yemens starts. Renewed efforts to unite the two states.
1990
Southern and Northern Yemen unite as Republic of Yemen.Mr Saleh becoming
the president.
1993
Coalition government is formed, made up of ruling parties of former north and south.
1994
Saleh declares state of emergency and dismisses al-Baid and other southern
government members following political fighting.
1994
May; Al-Baid declares independence of Democratic Republic of Yemen.
2004
Hundreds die as troop’s battle Shia insurgency led by Hussein al-Houthi in the north.
2007
Rebel leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi accepts a ceasefire.
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2008
March; Series of bomb attacks on police, official, diplomatic, foreign business and
tourism targets. US embassy evacuates all non-essential personnel.
2008
October; President Saleh announces arrest of suspected Islamist militants allegedly
linked to Israeli intelligence.
2009
November - Saudi Arabia says it has regained control of territory seized by Yemeni
rebels in a cross-border incursion.
2011
November; President Saleh agrees to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh
Mansour Hadi. Unity government including prime minister from opposition formed.
Possible Solutions
- Unfortunately a single uniform solution does not exist for the situation in Yemen because it has so
many aspects that we should try to solve, to give some examples; humanitarian and military aspects
are two main points. A variety of different policies and approaches need to be simultaneously applied
in Yemen for a long lasting solution. The use of force in the area of conflicts will not come close to
solve anything. Delegates first priority on this matter should be establishing the ceasefire between the
Houthi forces and government forces.
You should be focusing on finding ways to make Houthis leave the capital in order to put an end.
United Nations member states such as Iran and Saudi Arabia must be told not to interfere in the
crisis until a ceasefire is brought about. Nations who continue to violate this United Nations
regulation must be appropriately dealt with by the United Nations.Another point that you need to
tackle is finding financial support to county because as aforementioned Yemen is the poorest
country in the Middle East. Financial and medical assistance in are crucial steps to solve the
humanitarian crisis.
- Politically the country is in a highly defenseless position. In the context of the increased foreign
intervention in Yemen, there are concerns that the civil conflict might lead the country to war
involving terrorist organizations, neighboring countries and even the US. More specifically, the fact
that the former government has joined forces with the most powerful Sunni country in the region,
namely Saudi Arabia while the Houthis have developed strained ties with the most powerful Shia
country in the region, namely Iran, is bringing the two rival countries in an escalating fight for power
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and dominance. As the possibility of conflict intensification is looming, it is of paramount
importance that the UN intervenes in order to promote peace talks and negotiations between the two
sides. At the same time efforts must be made to limit military foreign interventions in the country
that solely express unilateral interests of the third party. Bringing an end to the civil unrest, the
hostilities against civil population, the terrorist activity in the area and establishing political stability
are crucially fundamental goals that must be achieved in order to aspire to both financial and
humanitarian relief.
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Bibliography
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ym.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/topics/country/yemen.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423
http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/yemen/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951
http://www.trthaber.com/haber/dunya/yemendeki-catismalarin-bir-aylik-kanli-bilancosu-273236.html
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/politics/2015/4/1/iran-begins-diplomatic-effort-to-solve-yemencrisis
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RULES OF PROCEDURE
The committee will follow Harvard MUN procedure.
A. Directives: As the delegates will be representing the ministers of foreign affairs of their
respective countries, they will have the authorization to take both military and
diplomatic actions on behalf of their countries. They can take necessary action with the
use of Personal Directives. If the committee decides to take a joint action, the ministers
can elaborate and take necessary actions with the use of Committee Directives.
B. Press Releases: The Ministers will have the authority to write both joint and personal
press releases in a diplomatic language. After the approval of at least one board
member, the press release will be declared to the committee.
C. Communique: The Ministers will be expected to submit a communique, which will
require a full consensus to be passed.
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