RIYADH: Peace talks between warring factions in Yemen sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council will begin in Riyadh on March 29 and end on April 7, the council’s secretary-general said on Thursday.
Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf told a press conference that invitations to the talks that aim to “open humanitarian corridors and achieve stability” in the war-torn country will be sent to about 500 people.
“Invitations to the Yemen talks will be sent to everyone and they will be held with whoever attends,” Al-Hajraf said.
“The GCC will host the talks between Yemeni factions to resolve the crisis. We urge all Yemeni parties to cease fire and start peace talks,” he said.
The talks will focus on six main military and political points, and an agenda will not be imposed on the participants, the secretary-general added.
Al-Hajraf expressed hopes that all Yemeni parties will respond to the GCC initiative and said that after seven years of conflict, resolving the crisis lies in the hands of Yemenis.
“What we are presenting is not a new initiative, but an affirmation that the solution is in the hands of the Yemenis,” he said.
“There will be no solution unless the Yemenis agree. They will implement the solution. Consultations are an opportunity for many. They are the first and most capable of diagnosing the situation, and developing solutions and remedies.”
He added: “The choice is up to them.”
Al-Hajraf urged warring Yemeni parties to take part in the consultations and enter into UN peace negotiations with Gulf support.
