US hails "progress" made by Kuwait-hosted Yemen peace talks

WASHINGTON, July 1 (KUNA) -- The US on Friday hailed peace talks between Yemen's government and the Ansarullah Movement, which are being hosted by Kuwait, as leading to "progress toward a road map to end the conflict." The comments were made by US State Department spokesman John Kirby after the Yemeni parties signed a commitment document designed to guide a new phase of negotiations following a two-week period ending on July 15.
"We continue to call on delegations to uphold the cessation of hostilities and to return to Kuwait with a commitment to swiftly reach an agreement that will bring the Yemenis the peace and security that they deserve and a chance to begin to rebuild their economy," he told a briefing.
"These talks offer the best chance, as we said before, to reach a lasting agreement," Kirby said.
Kirby went on to emphasize the importance of allowing unfettered humanitarian access throughout Yemen.
He also pledged US support of the efforts of UN special envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad.
"Now's the opportunity, the time for the parties to make the compromises and commitments that will benefit their people and bring stability to Yemen, a country and a people who have suffered far too long," he said. (end) sd.bs