Switzerland, 15 December 2015- UN-sponsored consultations aimed at finding a durable settlement to the Yemen crisis started today in Switzerland. These consultations seek to establish a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, secure improvements to the humanitarian situation and a return to a peaceful and orderly political transition.

The UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, urged the delegations to ensure full respect to the cessation of hostilities which has started together with the opening of the talks.  “The cessation of hostilities which was called today should mark the end of military violence in Yemen and the transition to progress based on negotiations dialogue and consensus.  Making peace is a fundamental requirement to rebuild Yemen, rehabilitate the basic infrastructure, address the consequences of the war, provide the necessary environment to normalize life in all governorates, and resume economic activity,” he added.

The peace talks for Yemen are facilitated by the Special Envoy and attended by 24 Yemeni representatives and advisors.  UN experts are working with the delegations present to provide support to develop agreements which improve humanitarian access and delivery and to aid in the development of a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire.