UN Envoy Expresses Concern About Truce Breaches Near Yemen’s Marib

Hans Grundberg

ADEN, Apr 7 (NNN-YPA) – UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said yesterday that, the presence of hostile military activities, near the country’s oil-rich province of Marib, sparks concerns on the fifth day of the two-month ceasefire.

In a statement, the UN envoy briefed on the status of the truce that went into effect on Apr 2, pointing out that, he has seen a “significant reduction of violence” but he noted, there are reports of some hostile military activities, particularly around Marib.

Grundberg said, the UN has set up a coordination mechanism with parties, to maintain open channels of communication. However, he stressed that, the UN is not responsible for monitoring the truce and it is “squarely” up to the warring parties in Yemen to uphold the ceasefire.

The envoy reiterated that, this truce is an important but “fragile” step, urging the relevant parties to make the best of the truce and work to reach a lasting peace negotiation.

The Yemeni government and Houthi militia have been exchanging accusations of breaching the ceasefire since it started.