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UN envoy presents roadmap to end conflict in Yemen

NEW YORK, June 21 (KUNA) -- UN envoy to Yemen presented a roadmap outlining a practical plan to put an end to the conflict in Yemen and bring the country back to a peaceful political process, praising positive role by Kuwait for hosting the talks.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad told the Security Council via videoconference from Kuwait, that the roadmap provides for the implementation of the security arrangements specified in Security Council resolution 2216 and the establishment of a national unity government that would ensure the delivery of basic services and address the recovery of the Yemeni economy.
He acknowledged the positive role played by the State of Kuwait and its leadership, expressing gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for hosting such talks.
His briefing came two months after the launch of the peace talks in Kuwait, where he described them as "a positive spirit at times, and also by a certain apprehension." The UN official affirmed that progress has been made in some cases and further efforts are still needed in others.
Over the previous period of the talks, the UN official told the French-led Council that the parties unanimously agreed on the necessity of reaching a peaceful solution to put an end to the conflict in Yemen. "The parties have met directly in several sessions and agreed on solid foundations to build on," he added.
Ould Cheikh Ahmad said that the participants to the Kuwait peace talks held a number of important sessions characterized by "an extraordinary openness," and they have discussed the most sensitive issues including: military withdrawals, security arrangements and the handover of weapons, sensitive political issues and ways to improve the economic and humanitarian situation, as well as the release of prisoners and detainees.
Further, the UN envoy said that the national unity government, according to the roadmap, would also be responsible for preparing a political dialogue to define the remaining steps for a comprehensive political solution, including the electoral law, the mandate of the institutions, which would oversee the transition period and the completion of the draft constitution.
"It is essential that this political dialogue also finds ways to ensure more effective participation of women, youth and representatives from the South of the country in determining Yemen's future," he said.
The UN official called for the support of Member States in the region and the 15-member body to encourage the delegations to overcome their differences quickly, strengthen the common ground and demonstrate good faith. "Yemen is on the path to an agreement and each day of delay needlessly extends the country's agony," he added.
With the severe decline in living conditions for people throughout the country, Ould Cheikh Ahmad said he had met with the authorities - who is playing a very constructive role - and had discussed "practical and rapidly" implementable initiatives that can help prevent the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation in the country.
Along with the progress made, the UN envoy confirmed that the humanitarian situation in Yemen is alarming and there are credible reports by humanitarian organizations warning of a humanitarian catastrophe, should the situation not be addressed rapidly. (end) mao.bs