UN schedules date for Yemen peace talks
SANAA, Yemen – The United Nations set the date for peace talks on Yemen for next week in Geneva, while the Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday bombed Shiite rebels in at least five of the country’s northern provinces.
In a positive sign, the leader of the rebels known as Houthis backed the talks In Switzerland, saying they were the “only solution” for the conflict roiling his country. Abdul-Malek al-Houthi spoke just hours after the announcement from the UN that the talks would start in Geneva on May 28.
Earlier, Yemen’s UN Ambassador Khaled Alyemany said the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, now in exile in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, will also attend the talks, adding it would be represented at a high level, perhaps by the vice president.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon has urged all parties to engage “without pre-conditions,” stressing the only way to resolve Yemen’s conflict is an “inclusive, negotiated political settlement.”
Associated Press
