UN envoy urges all parties to respect Yemen truce

World Bulletin / News Desk

United Nations special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed welcomed Sunday the ceasefire that took effect in Yemen, and urged the parties and governments around the world to support the truce.

"I ask all the parties and the international community to remain steadfast in support for this cessation of hostilities to be a first step in Yemen's return to peace," he said.

"This is critical, urgent and much needed. Yemen cannot afford the loss of more lives."

Both loyalist and rebel forces in Yemen's conflict pledged to honour a UN-brokered ceasefire that took effect at midnight on Sunday.