UNITED NATIONS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The prolonged UN-brokered peace talks between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels might fail, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths warned on Tuesday.
"There is a real risk that these negotiations will slip away, and that Yemen will enter a new phase of prolonged escalation, of the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19, and of severe and threatening economic decline," Griffiths told the Security Council in a briefing.
He said he still has hopes, but does not want to "sugarcoat things."
Negotiations aimed at a nationwide cease-fire, economic and humanitarian measures, and the resumption of the political process to comprehensively end the conflict, have been ongoing for four months. Both parties have provided feedback on various drafts and proposals. But they have yet to reach agreement on a final text, said Griffiths.
The process has been long and challenging. It has experienced bursts of momentum, as well as very significant hurdles, he noted.
This is perhaps normal for any mediation process that addresses issues of great importance to the parties. But it is important that both parties continue to engage in the process. The negotiations must be concluded before the window of opportunity closes, warned Griffiths. Enditem
