Yemen: UN envoy says 'significant differences' remain in talks, but notes consensus on peace

The fourth day of the United Nations-brokered peace negotiations among Yemeni parties in Kuwait included extensive discussions on security, political and humanitarian issues in meetings in joint sessions as wells as bilateral sessions with each delegation, the UN envoy for Yemen has said today.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, said in a press release that “significant differences in the delegations' points of view remain but nonetheless there is consensus on the need to make peace and to work intensively towards an agreement.”

Representatives from the two sides, who were appointed yesterday to support the work of the De-escalation and Coordination Committee, acknowledged there has been “notable improvement” in the security situation in most parts of the country, the envoy said.

During today's discussions, the delegations proposed a number of practical measures to also strengthen Local De-escalation Committees, which the special envoy said are playing a critical role in support of the cessation of hostilities.

Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed said he met with the heads of delegations and representatives of the diplomatic community to review the latest developments and find mechanisms of advancing the pace of the discussion.

“There are only two alternatives; war or peace and everyone should assume responsibility for the choices they make,” he added.

Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed also said he intends to “intensify his efforts” to reinforce the cessation of hostilities and to resume the talks tomorrow morning.