Mediators in UN-brokered talks on Yemen pushed Wednesday (December 12th) for a truce between warring parties as a crucial step to allow aid deliveries, AFP reported.
Mediators are seeking a de-escalation of violence in two flashpoint cities: al-Hodeidah, a port city vital to the supply of humanitarian aid, and Taez, scene of some of the most intense fighting.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was due at the talks in Rimbo, Sweden, late Wednesday for Thursday's closing round of consultations.
Both government and Houthi (Ansarallah) representatives traded accusations of unwillingness to negotiate, particularly on al-Hodeidah, the main route for 90% of food imports and nearly 80% of aid deliveries.
Multiple draft proposals have been submitted to the two delegations over the past week. None have found consensus as of yet.
Wednesday’s discussion centered around Sanaa airport.
Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yamani this week proposed government-held Aden as Yemen's sole international airport, with Sanaa turning into a hub for domestic flights.
Meanwhile, a small group of southern Yemenis staged a protest outside the venue of UN peace talks in Sweden on Wednesday demanding a referendum to restore independence.
