Martin griffiths un special envoy

His refusal to apportion blame angered the Yemeni government. Addressing a news conference, foreign minister Khaled al-Yamani said the envoy’s comments sought to “appease and find excuses” for the Houthis, adding that their failure to travel to Geneva showed their “irresponsibility”. … [Read more...] about UN envoy to Yemen downplays non-start of peace talks

U.N.-brokered talks to end Yemen's three-year war were meant to begin on Sept. 6, but only representatives of the Yemeni government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi turned up as the Houthis insisted their plane to Geneva be allowed to evacuate dozens of injured people to neighbouring Oman. … [Read more...] about U.N. envoy to announce reopening of Sanaa airport next week

DUBAI (Reuters) - The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen is deeply concerned about recent hostilities in the country and is urging all sides to reduce tensions, his office said on its Twitter account on Thursday. … [Read more...] about U.N. envoy says deeply concerned about Yemen hostilities

For its part, the Saudi-led coalition says it had no choice but to launch the assault as the port provided millions of dollars for the Houthis through customs controls. They also accuse the Houthis of using the port to smuggle weapons through, something a UN panels of experts described in January as “unlikely” as incoming ships require UN permission and are subject to random searches. … [Read more...] about Fighting Rages Around Airport in Yemen Port City of Hodeida

United Nations renews its peace plan proposal The fear of casualties resulting from the Saudi coalition assault on Hodeidah goes far beyond the possible casualties in the port city itself. NGOs use the port to import badly needed humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medicines, for 8 million Yemenis, out of a total population of 22 million. Many Yemenis are already on the verge of starvation and the closure of the port for even a few days could be disastrous. … [Read more...] about World View: Saudi Coalition Claims to Have Captured Airport in Yemen’s Hodeidah