Behind closed doors, UN SC members have begun discussing a draft resolution on Yemen. UK has circulated a draft text. After further negotiations, the draft resolution could be put to a vote as early next week. The resolution would condemn continued human rights violations by the Yemeni authorities, including the excessive use of force against peaceful protestors and urge the opposition movement to refrain from violence. It also stresses that those responsible for such violations should be held accountable. (From UN Security Council & UN Security Council Report sources – “What’s in Blue”) Transfer of Power & Immunity? A focus of the resolution is likely to be the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative. In its 24 September press statement Council members urged all parties to commit to this initiative. (The GCC initiative calls for a peaceful transition of power from President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Yemeni Vice President, Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi, during the transition period in the lead up to elections. It appears that the draft resolution reaffirms the importance of all parties, including Saleh, signing and implementing the initiative and calls for a political settlement based upon this initiative. The initiative also apparently provides immunity to Saleh and his family, (which could be problematic in terms of draft resolutions provisions to “hold accountable” those responsible for human rights abuses and killings and potential investigation by the International Criminal Court – ICC)) Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula: Other areas potentially to be covered in the draft are the Council’s concern over Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and its determination to address the threat as well as the need for humanitarian assistance. Opposition Calls for Greater UN Action: There have been increasing calls for a stronger UN role and for the Council and GCC to take action both from opposition figures and from army personnel who have defected recently and reportedly joined the ranks of General Ali Mohsen, (who had defected in March this year). Yesterday Nobel Peace Prize winner, Tawakul Karman, (PHOTO ABOVE with UNSG Ban Ki-moon on October 19, 2011) led a demonstration in New York outside the UN headquarters calling for action against Saleh while rejecting any immunity for him. Briefing from Special Adviser on Yemen: Council members last discussed Yemen on 11 October following a briefing by Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser on Yemen. Benomar, who was in Yemen from 19 September to 3 October, expressed grave concern at the human rights violations allegedly committed by both government and opposition supporters. He also noted that the sudden return of Saleh from Saudi Arabia, following medical treatment, made reaching an agreement on a political transition more complicated. In his briefing, Benomar also highlighted the worsening security situation in Yemen, indicating that the government’s preoccupation with domestic political pressure has greatly benefited Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. (READ - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/yemen-update-to-un-security-council-by-ambassador-mo/36187 ) Permanent SC members (“p-5”) appear to have come to an understanding that the Council needs to send a signal on the situation in Yemen. However Council members seem to be aware that they need to exercise caution in using language related to the transition of power and on immunity issues. The draft text beingcirculated is apparently acceptable to all the P5 members. While it remains to be seen if there will be any strong opposition from the elected members, most Council members do not seem to be anticipating any major disagreements. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice