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<p>The newly published Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Report highlights growing
food insecurity in Yemen over the past year, with the overall number of food insecure
people rising from 17 million to over 20 million (70% of the population). In response
urgent action is needed to improve economic conditions and maintain food supply chains
into and throughout the country, including Hodeidah and Saleef ports and routes out
of the city.</p><p> </p><p>To maintain confidence of commercial importers, the UK
recently worked with the US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to agree measures
with the Central Bank of Yemen to issue letters of credit providing foreign currency
so that importers can purchase food on international markets. This has resulted in
an appreciation of the Yemeni Riyal, so that ordinary Yemenis are able to buy food
that is in the markets.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is playing a leading role in combating
hunger in Yemen through our £170 million in aid this financial year, which will help
meet the food needs of four million Yemenis for one month. However, a political settlement
is the only way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and to address the worsening
humanitarian crisis. We therefore welcome the positive outcomes of peace talks in
Stockholm.</p>
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