UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for an immediate humanitarian truce in Yemen as peace talks began in Geneva and a Saudi-led Arab coalition continued aerial bombardments of the ravaged country. Global powers are keen for a speedy resolution of the conflict, fearing the growing power of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch of the jihadist network which has taken advantage of the chaos to seize territory.
"We do not have a moment to lose," Ban said, adding that the fighting was "giving strength to some of the world's most ruthless terrorist groups." "I hope this week starts the beginning of the end of the fighting," Ban said, stressing this was vital to get crucial humanitarian supplies through. The UN has described the country's humanitarian crisis as "catastrophic", with 80 percent of the population - 20 million people - in need of aid.
"Ramadan begins in two days," Ban said, stressing that the holy Muslim month should be a period for harmony, peace and reconciliation. "I have emphasised the importance of another humanitarian pause for at least two weeks," the UN chief said, after meeting the government delegation. Yemen has been wracked by conflict between Iran-backed Shia rebels and exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's internationally recognised government. Ban said the violence had killed more than 2,600 people, half of them civilians.
"Today, Yemen's very existence hangs in the balance," Ban said. "While parties bicker, Yemen burns." He also called on the warring factions to "reach agreement on local cease-fires, with the withdrawal of armed groups from cities." Ban dismissed fears that the talks would be torpedoed by the non-arrival of an Iran-backed rebel delegation in time for the talks. The team's plane was delayed in Djibouti, according to UN and diplomatic sources. He said the delay was due to logistical reasons and added: "I am pleased to know that the other parties are on their way" and were expected to arrive later Monday.
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