UN welcomes start of cessation of hostilities in Yemen

4/11/2016 4:19:37 AM

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK April 11 (KUNA) -- UN envoy to Yemen urged all parties to work to ensure that the cessation of hostilities is fully respected creating a conducive environment for the peace talks scheduled to resume in Kuwait on April 18.

Welcoming the start of cessation of hostilities that began at midnight the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed highlighted in a press release that the Terms and Conditions for the cessation of hostilities included commitments for the unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all parts of Yemen.

"Both sides have committed to adhere to the Terms and Conditions for the cessation of hostilities which I presented" he said.

Further the UN official asked all the parties and the international community "to remain steadfast in support for this cessation of hostilities to be a first step in Yemen's return to peace." Affirming the criticality and urgency of this step Cheikh Ahmed said Yemen cannot afford the loss of more lives.

As De-escalation and Co-ordination Committee has reconvened in Kuwait working to bolster adherence to the cessation of hostilities the UN official noted that the they recently concluded a capacity building exercise conducted by experts from the European Union. The Committee is comprised of military representatives from both sides.

"Now is the time to step back from the brink. The progress made represents a real opportunity to rebuild a country that has suffered far too much violence for far too long" added the Special Envoy.

Further he said that a positive outcome will require difficult compromises from all sides courage and determination to reach an agreement.

Preparations are currently well underway for the start of the Yemeni-Yemeni peace talks to be held under the auspices of the United Nations. The talks will focus on five main areas starting from the withdrawal of militias and armed groups the handover of heavy weapons to the State interim security arrangements the restoration of state institutions and the resumption of inclusive political dialogue in addition to the creation of a special committee for prisoners and detainees. (end) mao.tg

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