Peace talks in Sweden next week

Previous round in Geneva collapsed in September as Al Houthis didn’t show up

UN-sponsored negotiations set as West steps up efforts to end the war |

UN-sponsored peace talks between the two sides in Yemen’s war are expected to start next week in Sweden, Britain’s envoy to Yemen said yesterday, as western allies press for an end to the war.

The UN is trying to reconvene talks between the Saudi-backed government led by Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the Iranian-aligned Al Houthi militia to agree a framework for peace and a transitional governing body. A previous round in Geneva collapsed in September when Al Houthis failed to show up.

“The Sweden consultations led by the UN envoy will take place next week. I have booked my trip and looking forward to seeing you leading your delegation, the political solution is the way to move forward,” Michael Aron, the Riyadh-based British ambassador to Yemen, tweeted to Al Houthis’ spokesman Mohammad Abdul Salam.

A member of Hadi’s delegation said the talks were due on December 4, but that the date could change “depending on logistics”. Western powers are now pressing for an end to the conflict.

Saudi Arabia confirmed its willingness to evacuate 50 wounded Al Houthi fighters as a confidence-building measure, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told Reuters this month.