UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday (February 12th) called for the "resurrection" of peace talks between Yemen's warring sides to end the suffering of civilians, AFP reported.
Seven ceasefires brokered between government and Houthi (Ansarallah) forces by the UN have failed, while UN-backed peace talks have repeatedly broken down.
During a visit to the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Guterres stressed the need to resume talks to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The world body has called repeatedly for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of relief supplies.
UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien warned last month that Yemen could face famine this year if no immediate action is taken.
Guterres, who visited Yemen in his former post as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, praised the generosity of Yemenis despite their poverty.
He said that to see them "suffering so much is something that really breaks my heart".
He spoke at a joint news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir after talks with King Salman, Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the defence minister.
UN peace envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed also attended the press briefing as he continues to push a peace plan that would restore a ceasefire and lead to a political transition in the country.
