WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“I welcome the announcement of the reopening of Sanaa airport and the Port of Hodeida, which will clear the way for urgent relief to the millions of Yemenis dependent on international assistance for food and medical supplies.  Yemen is on the brink of an entirely preventable famine, and cholera cases continue to plague the country.  I urge swift reopening of these facilities and associated distribution lines to ensure access throughout the country.

“But make no mistake: these short-term steps won’t solve the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, nor is there a military solution to this conflict. All parties should put the Yemeni people first and recommit themselves to a political process aimed at peace and stability in Yemen. In the meantime, Iran must not exacerbate the conflict by transferring increasingly sophisticated weapons to the Houthis.

“Finally, access must not be limited to humanitarian supplies alone. Journalists must be able to access Yemen so that the world can hear the stories of the Yemeni people.”

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