The UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed continued to hold meetings with the rebel (Houthi – Saleh) delegation in Kuwait yesterday. The UN envoy’s office said that the main issues discussed by Ould Cheikh with the delegation include “details and mechanisms for withdrawal, the handing over of arms, resuming political dialogue and the restoration of state institutions”. Sources close to the consultations said discussions between the two parties are heated and that Ould Cheikh is facing obstacles when discussing details regarding the implementation of resolution 2216.

The rebel delegation is trying to avoid the points of reference which are central to the consultations despite mediation and efforts being made by regional and international parties to push for the consultations to result in an agreement that will end the armed conflict in Yemen. The sources also pointed out that the meetings that took place in the morning and the evening did not result in any kind of agreement, and that this is what is preventing a direct meeting between the two delegations.

The sources emphasised that the meetings between Ould Cheikh and the rebel delegation and the results of these meetings will determine the fate of the Kuwait consultations.

Houthi sources in Sanaa said that their delegation “presented its objection to statements and briefings made by Ould Cheikh that include positions that have not been agreed upon or discussed”. This confirms the information cited by Asharq Al-Awsat sources about the difficulties faced by Ould Cheikh at discussions with the rebel delegation.