U.N backs Saudi-sponsored talks between Yemen govt, separatists

Baghdad (IraqiNewws.com) The United Nations said Thursday it supports talks hosted by Saudi Arabia between the Saudi-backed, internationally-recognized Yemeni government and the U.A.E-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council.

Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, wrote on Twitter “I am very supportive of the talks being held in #Jeddah under the auspices of #KSA. I encourage the GoY and #STC to seize this opportunity and settle their differences through peaceful means”.

Over the past few weeks, Yemeni forces have been fighting the STC which had briefly taken over a number of military and public facilities at some southern provinces, including in the temporary capital in Aden. The government of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi had accused the UAE of supporting a “coup” through the STC. The UAE recently launched airstrikes against Yemeni government forces in Aden.

Saudi officials have recently said the city of Jeddah would host talks between both parties. News reports said indirect talks were due to begin.

Yemeni forces and STC troops have been part of the Saudi and UAE-led coalition to defeat Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The recent encounters denoted a rift between coalition leaders, according to many observers.

Thousands have been killed and others wounded, causing a humanitarian crisis since the coalition launched its campaign against Houthis in 2015.