Makhlafi, Abul Gheit review political developments in Yemen

Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel Malak al Makhlafi received on Thursday a phone call from Secretary General Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit during which they discussed the latest political developments in Yemen and the UN envoy's efforts to realize peace.

Makhlafi said the government's approval of the 72-hour truce reflects its keenness on peace.

The government shoulders its responsibility toward the Yemeni people who are suffering destruction on the back of the coup, he said.

The top diplomat accentuated the legitimate government's support for the efforts being exerted by United Nations envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed to resume the political process, according to the Yemeni news agency.

Abul Gheit said he highly appreciates the efforts exerted by the Yemeni government to realize peace and its positive interaction with the UN envoy as well as regional and international parties concerned with the crisis.

He voiced hope that the truce would lead to resuming peace talks immediately to reach a comprehensive solution that would ensure Yemen's independence and integrity of its lands and allow humanitarian aid access.

Abul Gheit said any solution should depend on the outcome of the national dialogue and the relevant UN resolutions.

The ceasefire was put into effect on Wednesday.

Since 2014, Yemen has been engulfed in a military conflict between Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, which is the country’s main opposition force. The Houthis are backed by army units loyal to former Yemeni President Saleh.

A Saudi Arabia–led coalition commenced airstrikes in Yemen in March 2015 in support of Hadi’s forces, which have been fighting Houthi rebels in the country.

Since March last year nearly 7,000 people have died and at least 3 million have been displaced, according to UN figures.

Source: MENA