THE TRUCE IN YEMEN which began in April has been renewed for an additional two months, from 2 August until 2 October, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg has announced.
The extension includes a commitment by the Government and Houthi rebels to intensify negotiations to reach an expanded agreement as soon as possible.
Mr. Grundberg said in his official statement: “The main objective of the current truce continues to be to provide tangible relief to civilians and to create a conducive environment for reaching a peaceful settlement to the conflict through a comprehensive political process.
“In the coming weeks, I will intensify my engagements with the parties to ensure the full implementation of all the parties’ obligations in the truce. This should include the implementation of the full number and regularity of flights between the agreed destinations and Sana’a International Airport and the number of fuel ships entering Hudaydah port, as stipulated in the truce agreement.
“It is also important to make progress on opening roads in Taiz and other governorates to facilitate the freedom of movement of millions of Yemeni women, men and children, and of goods. The people of Taiz and across Yemen deserve for the truce to deliver for them in all its aspects.”
Commenting on the announcement, Save the Children’s Country Director for Yemen, Rama Hansraj, said: “This is a moment of relief for millions of people in Yemen. The two months renewal of the truce comes as children in Yemen begin their school year, and it is heartwarming to know they can now return to school safely.
“Our hope is that this step will mark a turning point in the Yemen war’s trajectory. We also hope that the coming two months pave the way for further progress in peace talks that leads to a permanent solution. Hopefully, this can restore peace and prosperity to Yemen and fulfil the dreams of an entire generation whose lives have been dominated by war for too long.
“We must also emphasise the importance of including children’s voices in peace talks, and we must make sure they are integral to finding a solution. Children in Yemen have suffered the most during the long years of war, and their voices must be heard in order to ensure a bright and prosperous future for Yemen.”
* Read Hans Grundberg’s full statement here.
* Sources: Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen and Save the Children International