Saudi Gazette report

ADEN — The European Union said on Tuesday it will hold the Iranian-backed Houthi militia responsible in case of an oil leak from the Safer oil tanker anchored off Ras Isa Port in Hodeidah Governorate.

In a statement, the EU Heads of Mission to Yemen called on the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to fully co-operate with the UN by allowing the team of experts to have unhindered access to the vessel and without preconditions or delay.

"Unless the UN team is provided unhindered access, Houthis would be accountable in the event of a regional catastrophe", the statement said.

The ambassadors also called on the parties to adhere to the subsequent expert recommendations of the assessment, emphasizing that it is in the interest of the highly vulnerable Yemeni population that everything is done to prevent a possible catastrophe.

They expressed serious concerns over the safety of the tanker, saying that it has been unmaintained for the last five years and is at imminent risk of producing major health, environmental and economic catastrophe affecting millions of people in Yemen and beyond. — SPA