UN to convene Yemen talks in Geneva on Sept 6

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August 2, 2018 9:05 PM

The United Nations will invite warring sides in Yemen for talks on September 6 in Geneva to discuss a framework for peace negotiations, the envoy announced on Thursday.

Martin Griffiths told the Security Council that "a political solution" to end the war in Yemen was "available" and urged world powers to support the new push for peace negotiations.

"These consultations will provide the opportunity for the parties, among other things, to discuss the framework for negotiations, relevant confidence-building measures and specific plans for moving the process forward," said Griffiths.

UN-brokered political talks on Yemen broke down in 2016 amid demands for a rebel withdrawal from key cities and power-sharing with the Saudi-backed government.

Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading a military campaign to restore the internationally recognized government to power and push back the Huthis who still hold the capital Sanaa.

The war has left nearly 10,000 people dead in Yemen, which the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Griffiths, appointed last year to lead UN peace efforts, told the council that he was "still trying" to negotiate a deal to avoid a full-blown battle Hodeida, the Red Sea port city that is a key entry point for humanitarian aid.

But he added that resolving the crisis over Hodeida would have to be part of a "comprehensive political settlement" between the rebels and the government.

At least 20 people were killed Thursday in an air strike on Hodeida.

Griffiths said he was concerned that "Hodeida could be a flashpoint" that could derail the push for talks in September and urged the council to support de-escalation in the port city.

The envoy said there had been progress in talks on turning over control of the rebel-held port to the United Nations "but the gap is not closed."

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