Local Editor

The European Union [EU] welcomed the United Nations’ announcement of the agreement of the main Yemeni parties to attend inclusive Yemeni-led consultations in Geneva on June 14, according to an EU statement on Tuesday. 

It said: "This positive step has the potential to put a broad-based political settlement back at the centre of international efforts to reach a sustainable solution to the current crisis in Yemen following the Conference held in Riyadh on 17-19 May".

"The EU fully supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed to resume inclusive political negotiations, in accordance with the GCC initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and relevant UN Security Council resolutions", it further said. 

"If all the parties engage without preconditions and in good faith, the Geneva talks can be a milestone on the path towards a political solution. The talks will also be key for the swift resumption of a predictable and sustainable humanitarian ceasefires, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance according to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence" the statement also read.