UN Envoy: Yemen peace talks in Kuwait constructive

UN's Yemen Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said peace consultations among Yemeni parties on Saturday were "positive and constructive, and pave way for an understanding" for solving the crisis. 
At a news conference following a round of talks, Ahmed said that Houthis and the General People's Congress handed over a paper included their positions regarding withdrawal, hand over of weapons, prisoners and political affairs. 
He said the Yemeni government delegation explained their views over regaining control over state institutions, resumption of political process and prisoners. 
He added the delegations' papers included their commitment to UN resolution 2216, the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanism as well as outcome of national dialogue, according to (KUNA) news agency. 

Ahmed said that "we have positive signs for a political understanding, and we are working on removing all obstacles blocking a political understanding ... We have made a large stride with a common will and a strong determination to reach a solution," stressing that peace in Yemen will only happen through a political solution, and the consultations held in Kuwait should place the general and practical framework for this solution. 

All parties are looking forward to a quick solution "but we have to be realistic," he said, adding "The war is more than a year old and it is impossible that it is solved in a day or two." 
Asked about the violations of the ceasefire, UN's Yemen Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said they were monitoring security developments despite the relative calm in most areas of Yemen. 

Referring to safeguards to avoid future setbacks, the envoy said that the consultations lasted for long to reach an agreement that guarantees security and consolidation of the ceasefire in Yemen, and in the meantime identifies a clear path for future steps in line with the National Dialogue. 

Real safeguards are establishing a serious dialogue and a solid agreement prompted by the will of all parties to end the crisis, he said. 

Ahmed added that he would meet with the Yemeni parties on Sunday to discuss their papers, expressing hopes that the coming days would see convergence of views on all topics. 

He referred to reports that the ceasefire in Yemen has been consolidated by 80 to 90 percent, calling for serious efforts to restore security and calm to Ta'ez. 

Referring to the humanitarian situation in Yemen, the UN envoy said it "is a disaster." He added that humanitarian organizations were delivering aid in different parts of Yemen, including Ta'ez which witnessed military hostilities. 

Some 21 million Yemenis out of 25 million were in need of humanitarian supplies.

Source: QNA