Kuwait- Under the auspices of the United Nations, the Yemeni-Yemeni peace negotiations started today in Kuwait, with the aim of reaching an agreement on a clear way to end the violence and devastation in the country. The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Alhamad AlSabah, the First Deputy Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.

“The consultations should provide a strong foundation for a new political consensus, to help Yemen achieve the stability and security that its people deserve and its future requires. The path to peace may be difficult but I believe that it is clearly in reach if all parties engage in good faith,” said Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Yemen.

The talks will seek to develop agreements which will restore security and peace in the country, strengthen state institutions and help speed economic recovery.

In order to provide a conducive environment for the talks and enable expanded humanitarian assistance, a Cessation of Hostilities came into force at midnight on 10 April. Despite some serious violations in various areas, reports indicate that there has been a noticeable improvement in the security situation. The Special Envoy praised the constant work of the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) and the Local De-escalation Committees. “The success of the Cessation of Hostilities and the talks will require consistent and coherent support from the region, as well as the larger international community,” he added. “I am urging the delegations to work together to overcome their differences and to develop compromise solutions based on the framework of Security Council resolution 2216.”

In his statement at the opening session of the peace talks, the Special Envoy addressed the participants saying that “it is impossible to turn the clock backwards and change the past but we can look forward to the future and improve the present. Your political positions make you responsible for the present and the future of Yemeni. The world’s attention is directed at you and Yemeni aspirations are in your hands….Peace is a choice, make it your choice.”