Ceasefire in Yemen extended for a week

A troubled ceasefire in Yemen has been extended by one week on condition that Houthi forces commit to the truce, the country’s foreign minister said yesterday.

Abdel Malek al-Mekhlafi made the announcement to reporters in Switzerland, where peace talks ended earlier yesterday.

Yemen’s warring sides have agreed to meet again on January 14th. Mr Mekhlafi said the extension of the ceasefire was subject to Houthi forces’ commitment to the truce.

The ceasefire coincided with the start of UN-backed talks on December 15th.

Though Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have accused each other of many violations of the ceasefire, it did significantly reduce the fighting and allowed for deliveries of some aid. – (Reuters)