The UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh confirmed in an exclusive statement to Asharq Al-Awsat that the Yemeni peace negotiations in Kuwait which resume today are proceeding at a good pace and are making significant progress. He also indicated that Gulf support is responsible for the success of these negotiations.

Ould Cheikh added that core issues are being discussed at the peace talks and that he expects to see many difficulties at this stage, in reference to the UN resolution 2216 which stipulates withdrawal from the cities occupied by armed militias and handing over weapons.

The Minister of Local Administration and Head of the High Relief Committee in Yemen Abdul Raqeeb Fath told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Yemeni government has received international and Gulf guarantees that the rebels are committed to the agenda of the consultations that are taking place in Kuwait under the auspices of the United Nations, within specific frameworks.

Fath added that the Yemeni government held direct talks with the United Nations and its humanitarian organisations about the renewal of its appeal to stop rebel forces from impeding or preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid according to the fourth Geneva Convention which states in its articles that civilians in conflict zones will be protected.