29-04-2024 12:45 AM Jerusalem Timing

Yemeni Delegation Insists on Ceasefire as Gateway to Other Issues, KSA Disavows

Yemeni Delegation Insists on  Ceasefire as Gateway to Other Issues, KSA Disavows

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, held several sessions with the national delegation and Riyadh-led participants on the fourth day of the peace talks in Switzerland.

Yemen talks in SwitzerlandThe Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, held several sessions with the national delegation and Riyadh-led participants on the fourth day of the peace talks in Switzerland.

The discussions focused mostly on security issues in Yemen, in light of the alarming developments on the ground.

Al-Manar correspondent in Switzerland reported that the Saudi-backed delegation turned to be confused as it informed the UN representative that it does not have the powers to approve the major issues, including confirming the ceasefire and lifting the blockade after KSA rejected to be committed with any of the talks decisions.

The correspondent added that regarding the latest developments in the context of the talks, the two sides agreed on forming a follow-up committee to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and all the security issues.

Egypt, Jordan and Oman were suggested to host the center of the committee, he added.

Yemeni sources familiar with the talks quoted the national forces delegation's insistence on the priority of stopping the aggression and lifting the Saudi-led siege, noting that there is principal consensus by everyone on this demand.

Sources said the delegation would be focusing on the cease-fire as a gateway to the rest of the issues, "and in case such an agreement wouldn't be reached, other interpretive issues will not be discussed."

The sources reported severe objection of the Riyadh delegation, led by Abdul-Malik al-Mikhlafi, on sending any humanitarian assistance to all district of Taiz, noting that it insists on sending the aid to certain areas only, including Jamal Street, Al-Masbah and Al-Ashraf basin.

Earlier, the Special Envoy expressed deep concerns at the numerous reports of violations of the cessation of hostilities, urging all parties to respect this agreement and allow unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the most affected districts of Yemen.