RIYADH: A heartbroken United Nations chief on Sunday called for the “resurrection” of peace talks between Yemen’s warring sides to end the suffering of civilians.
Thousands of people have died in Yemen and millions are struggling to feed themselves almost two years after a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened to support Yemen’s government and halt an advance by rebels. Seven ceasefires brokered between government and rebel forces by the United Nations have failed, while UN-backed peace talks have repeatedly broken down.
“You know, I am a Catholic. And Catholics believe in resurrection,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters during a visit to the Saudi capital.
“So if negotiations are dead they can always resurrect. And I do believe that they need to for a very simple reason, the suffering of the Yemeni people.”
The world body has called repeatedly for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of relief supplies.
UN aid chief Stephen O’Brien warned last month that Yemen could face famine this year if no immediate action is taken.
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