Griffiths reveals intense int’l efforts to stop fighting in Yemen

SANAA, April 2 (YPA) – The United Nations envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths said on Thursday that he is holding talks with the warring parties in the country to secure a ceasefire at the local level to help confront the threat of Coronavirus.

Though Yemen has not witnessed any cases of the virus infection, there are fears of a disaster in the event of an outbreak of the virus, due to the destruction of hospitals and health facilities in Yemen by Saudi-led coalition attacks.

A statement issued by Griffiths office said he was conducting daily consultations aimed at bringing the warring parties closer to “virtual” negotiations as quickly as possible.

The UN envoy’s office added that it is discussing “concrete steps” with the warring parties, despite the recent escalation in the long conflict that has entered its sixth year.

Griffiths confirmed that he hopes the consultations would be completed soon, in order to achieve what the Yemenis hope for, especially in light of the global outbreak of Corona.

The United Nations had launched an appeal to the parties to the war in Yemen to stop fighting and devote themselves to confronting Corona.

YPA