UN envoy says Yemen peace talks will begin 'shortly'
Yemen’s warring parties have agreed to attend peace talks in Sweden “shortly”, according to the United Nations special envoy to the country, who said he was willing to accompany the Houthi delegation from Sanaa if necessary.
Addressing the UN Security Council on Friday, Martin Griffiths thanked the Saudi-led coalition for agreeing to the conditions needed for consultations and said it marked a critical moment in trying to find peace.
Minutes later the British ambassador to the UN said she would circulate a Security Council resolution on Monday calling for a humanitarian truce.
Karen Pierce said it would enshrine five requests made by the UN’s humanitarian chief including efforts to protect the supply of food, inject money into the economy and for the warring parties to engage in peace talks.
The developments come at the end of a renewed international push to end a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people and brought the country to the brink of famine since Houthi seized the capital Sanaa in 2014.
“This is a crucial moment for Yemen. I have received firm assurances from the leadership of the Yemeni parties ... that they are committed to attending these consultations,” said Mr Griffiths. “I believe they are genuine and I expect them to continue in that way.”
It is understood the officials hope the two sides can meet in Stockholm by the end of the year to discuss a framework for talks.
Mr Griffiths, a British mediator, had hoped to be able to announce a prisoner exchange but said talks were continuing on what could be an important confidence-building measure.
He added: “I am grateful to the coalition for agreeing our proposed logistical arrangements and to the coalition and Oman for their agreement to facilitate the medical evacuation of some injured Yemenis out of Sanaa.”
The transport of wounded Houthi fighters proved to be a significant stumbling block the last time the two sides were slated to meet. Talks were abandoned in September when Houthis said they had not received assurances their plane would not have to stop in Djibouti for inspection by the Saudi-led coalition.
Mr Griffiths said he is still trying to finalise the logistics for the new round and will travel to Sanaa next week to meet Abdulmalik Al Houthi, the leader.
“And I will also be happy to travel myself, if necessary, with their delegation to the consultations if that is needed,” he said.
