UN envoy says Yemen ports deal is chance for peace talks

SANAA, Feb. 19 (YPA) – The UN envoy for Yemen says the beginning  of the pullout of forces form three key ports provides an opportunity to move to the major goal of ending the four-year conflict that has created the world’s worse humanitarian crisis

Martin Griffiths told the U.N security council on Tuesday that the two parties demonstrated that they are able to deliver on commitment they made in December by agreeing on the first phase of redeployment from the ports.

The forces could start pulling out as early as Tuesday or Wednesday

Griffiths said forces will initially withdrew from smaller ports salif and Ras Issa, followed by pullout from the major port of Hodeidah and critical parts of the city that will allow access to a major U.N grain storage facility.

Sameera Hassn