MEP: A three-day ceasefire brokered by the UN took effect in war-torn Yemen just before midnight on Wednesday.
The United Nations envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said all parties to the conflict have agreed that the initial time period is subject to renewal and could be extended to last longer.
For UN Humanitarian coordinator, Jamie McGoldrick, the truce is a chance to distribute much needed aid.
“You know, we have large scale humanitarian operations under way in this country, throughout many parts of it – 75 percent. And during the cessation of hostilities we would hope to do our best to deliver assistance to those in areas where we haven’t been able to reach for some time. That’s our ambition.”
There was heavy fighting in Yemen hours before the truce began, according to local media.
On Tuesday, the UN special envoy for Yemen was in Moscow reviewing recent developments with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov.
The two diplomats reportedly discussed the chances of resolving the Yemen conflict through diplomatic channels and the role of the UN and the Security Council in supporting peace efforts.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the truce should be a first step towards resuming the UN-led peace talks.
“The ceasefire must be respected by all sides and its duration extended so as to create the necessary conditions for such negotiations,” she said.
More than 10,000 people mostly women and children have been killed and millions displaced since the Saudi-led military campaign to restore Hadi, started in March 2015.
