UN food plan offers new hope of peace

The United Nations is proposing to take over the main import route for food supplies into Yemen as part of peace negotiations for the war-torn country.

Representatives of the Saudi-backed government and Iranian-backed rebels have been meeting in the Swedish town of Rimbo in what is said to be the best hope for peace in three years. Proposals put forward by Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy hosting the talks,

Yemeni civilians.

The Houthis have fired longrange missiles into Saudi Arabia and targeted vessels in the Red Sea.

Civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict, which has killed over 10,000 people and created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

‘‘There’s millions of Yemenis who are hungry and sick and scared and desperate and starving, but they’ve all got one message and their message is that include a withdrawal of troops from the port city of Hodeidah, which has been the scene of intense fighting.

A committee with representatives from both sides, supervised by the UN, would take over the port, ensuring that aid could be delivered without interference.

The city is being defended from government attack by the rebels, known as the Houthis after their dominant clan. – they’re at the end of their tether and they want this war to stop,’’ Lowcock said. He said ‘‘there are millions and millions of people whose plight would be much, much worst but for the ongoing relief operation,’’ which is currently reaching 8 million Yemenis.

Lowcock said the UN plans to reach 15 million people next year and will be appealing for US$4 billion – compared to this year’s US$3 billion appeal and last year’s US$2 billion request.