\n<\/p>\n
St\u00e9phane Dujarric was responding to questions from correspondents at the regular noon briefing in New York, after news reports that progress had been made towards a permanent ceasefire, to end Saudi Arabia\u2019s military involvement in a military coalition that has backed the internationally recognized Government in its civil conflict with Houthi militia, since 2015.<\/p>\n
Neighbouring Oman has been involved in peace talks with the warring parties in Yemen, running in parallel with UN efforts, led by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, who Mr. Dujarric said was continuing to \u201cexplore options to extend and expand\u201d a UN-brokered six-month truce<\/strong>, which expired last October.<\/p>\n Even after the expiration, Mr. Grundberg noted in a statement issued last week, that the truce was \u201cbroadly holding\u201d while many elements continue in place.<\/p>\n UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, speaks at a press conference in Taiz, Yemen. (08-11-2021)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Envoy said that greater humanitarian relief, a nationwide ceasefire and a sustainable political settlement \u201cthat meets the aspirations of Yemeni women and men\u201d was essential, through a process that brings all stakeholders together.<\/p>\n Mr. Dujarric said that the discussions in Sana\u2019a were \u201cvery much welcomed by the Secretary-General<\/strong>\u201d and added that Mr. Grundberg continues to be \u201cin close coordination with the regional Member States<\/strong>\u201d over resuming the political process, with the hope of avoiding any escalation in the long-running war.<\/p>\n The UN Spokesperson noted that the UN had not been involved in the talks in the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital.<\/p>\nTruce dividend<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u2018One day at a time\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n