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Kuwait FM expresses hope for resuming peace talks to settle Yemeni crisis

KUWAIT, May 2 (KUNA) -- First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Monday expressed hopes that Yemeni negotiators would resume the UN-brokered peace talks currently held in Kuwait so as to end the conflict, and restore stability and security to their country.
Participating in panel discussions during the 13th Arab Media Forum, Sheikh Sabal Al-Khaled said: "Hopes are pinned on the Yemeni delegations to resume talks for reaching a solution to the crisis." Kuwait doesn't aim to enhance its political and diplomatic status by hosting Yemeni talks, but to contribute to reaching a solution to the conflict so as to restore stability and security to Yemen and Yemenis, he added.
He recalled Kuwait's stance in the early 90s when it welcomed bringing together Yemenis to help them reach a consensus and this is what "we are working on now." Kuwait is just hosting the talks which are held under the supervision of UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad, he stated, expressing his hope that the parties involved would reach an agreement which to help Yemen avoid further destruction.
The only gain of Kuwait is reaching an agreement among Yemenis to resolve the current crisis, he said.
The minister noted that meetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with Ould Cheikh Ahmad and representatives of the delegations separately last Tuesday showed Kuwait's keenness on render the peace talks a real success.
The representatives told His Highness the Amir that Kuwait is the country which can contribute to reaching a satisfactory solution to all parties to serves Yemenis' interest, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled revealed.
He renewed Kuwait's eagerness to make closeness between views of Yemenis as much as possible to be in line with the political path.
During his speech at the forum, he referred to the current developments in the region, mainly Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Libya Somalia, as well as the ties with Iran and the fight against the so-called Islamic State.
He expressed his sorrow as there have been no big positive developments in these dossiers since the last year.
Ould Cheikh Ahmad announced on Sunday that the Yemeni government delegation suspended its participation in the peace negotiations as the anti-government forces have reportedly took over Al-Amaliqa military base late Saturday in the province of Orman.
But he said he received assurances from the three delegations participating in the talks that they will work on resolving the disputed issues without holding face-to-face sessions. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah stressed the ministry's keenness on safety of Yemeni delegations during their peace negotiations.
While inspecting the operations room at Bayan Palace where the talks are held, the minister said in a statement that he was briefed on the security and contingency plans for the delegations' safety.
He lauded readiness of personnel, tasked with safeguarding the Palace, and coordination among them. (end) hrz.am.hm