Arab Coalition Suspends Military Operations in Yemen to Ensure Success of Consultations

Gulf

March 30th, 4:51am

Asharq Al-Awsat

Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Joint Forces Command of the Saudi-led Arab coalition announced on Tuesday it was suspending military operations in Yemen, starting Wednesday morning, to ensure the success of the intra-Yemeni consultations that will kick off in Riyadh. Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is sponsoring the meetings, appealed for a ceasefire on Tuesday. He called for a halt in operations so that a positive environment can prevail over the talks during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins in early April. Arab coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki said the suspension aims to support efforts to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the crisis in Yemen. He added that the coalition forces will commit to the ceasefire and take the necessary steps to ensure it is upheld. He stressed that the coalition stands by the Yemeni people and their aspirations to build a state and restore security and peace. The consultations will kick off at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday and are set to run through April 7.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3561966/arab-coalition-suspends-military-operations-yemen-ensure-success-consultations