The United Nation’s Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Al-Sheikh Ahmed, held several rounds of talks today on a general framework for negotiations proposed by the United Nations to end the conflict in Yemen.  

The sessions included an overview of the proposal together with its associated implementation and coordination mechanisms. The framework constitutes an initial vision for the coming period and includes political, security and economic components. The proposed framework was developed by the United Nations in line with Security Council Resolution 2216, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and the National Dialogue Outcomes.

The talks also addressed ways to strengthen the De-Escalation and Coordination Committee and the issues related to the withdrawal of armed groups, the handover of heavy weapons, the resumption of the political transition and the release of prisoners and detainees.

The Special Envoy said that a positive atmosphere prevailed throughout the discussions despite the clear differences between the delegations on these key issues.  "The divergence of views is to be expected in a country witnessing war. It is crucial that all parties make concessions for the sake of the country and its people, in order to reach a comprehensive political agreement and restore security and stability. We are introducing the broad outline of our vision for the coming period and we expect constructive suggestions from the delegations to ensure a comprehensive solution to the conflict."

The participants re-affirmed their commitment to a “Code of Conduct”, under which the delegates agreed to refrain from any media statements.  The Special Envoy will hold regular press conferences and issue media updates at the end of each day, in order to keep the media informed of progress in the talks.

The Special Envoy received a letter from the President of the Republic of Yemen, Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi, which was delivered to him by the Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, in which the President welcomed the recent Presidential Statement issued by the Security Council.