UN Council demands Yemeni parties resolve differences through dialogue

Liu said that China wants to see implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions by all parties and agree on a cease-fire. He also urged the parties to restore stability and normal order as soon as possible through dialogue in order to promote an inclusive political transition led by the people of Yemen.

China hopes all the parties will meet the requirements of the resolution, attach importance to the humanitarian problems on the ground in order to have the aid delivered, assist the evacuation of foreign citizens and ensure the protection of diplomats in Yemen, said Liu.

The resolution contained a paragraph calling for the safe evacuation of foreign nationals from Yemen.

"China supports the United Nations in its mediation role for a political solution and calls upon the parties to ease the tension and facilitate the humanitarian situation and play a constructive role," he said, adding that "China is ready to join the international community in its unremitting efforts for a political settlement."

Russia's Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Moscow abstained because the resolution is "not fully in line with the requirements which were put forth into the international community conditioned by the crisis in this country."

He explained that "constructive proposals of the Russian delegation" were not taken into account by the drafters of the measures, including "requirements" for all sides "to swiftly halt fire and begin peace talks."

"There is no due reflection in the resolution on the difficult consequences for civilians in Yemen due to fighting, nor is there clear enough expression in a statement of obligations as well as regular humanitarian pauses" in the fighting, he said.