A conference aimed at restoring peace to conflict-torn Yemen has been postponed following a request from Yemen's government and other parties for more time to prepare, the UN announced Tuesday.

The peace talks had been scheduled to start Thursday in Geneva. Several Yemeni officials said over the weekend they had been informed that the talks were postponed, but the UN statement was the first official confirmation, the ABC News reported.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon ordered the postponement, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, adding that Ban "is actively working to convene the talks at the earliest possible time."

Dujarric said Ban is disappointed that the UN-sponsored talks weren't starting on schedule and again called on all parties to participate "in good faith."