In particular, Hans Grundberg should meet Mehdi Hussein Al-Machat, one of the highest leaders of the rebels.
Le Monde and AFP
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, arrived, Monday, April 11, in Sanaa, the capital controlled by the hush rebels since 2014. A first visit at the time the country ravaged by the war knows a fragile truce.
Entering his duties in September, Hans Grundberg must “talk with the leaders [of the Houthists] on the implementation and strengthening of the truce”. The diplomat should include Mehdi Hussein Al-Machat, one of the highest leaders of the rebels, according to their al-Massirah television channel.
The UN manager had met Saturday in Oman the rebel negotiator, Mohammed Abdelsalam, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs Omanais, Badr Al-Boussïdi, with whom he discussed the truce in force since April 2.
The truce could continued beyond two months
Ripped by the United Nations, this two-month ceasefire has been largely respected, and offers a glimmer of hope among the population, facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Rebels and loyalists nevertheless accused each other of violations of the truce. On Twitter , Mr. Grundberg had exhorted Friday the parties to “show restraint and continue their commitment”.
The truce, which could be extended beyond two months, including the cessation of all military operations as well as the partial and controlled reopening of Sanaa Airport. The Saudi Coalition controls Yemen’s airspace, including in the areas in the hands of the rebels, which denounce a “blockade”.