Cheikh Ahmed concluded his visit with a call for a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis and the restoration of the cessation of hostilities.

The internationally recognized government of Yemen says it objects to the UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s meetings in Sanaa with the Houthi militia and their allies.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Yemen, Abdul Malik Mikhlafi, said in a press statement the UN envoy’s meetings in Sanaa were unacceptable and inconsistent with his obligations as an envoy.

During his visit to Sanaa, Cheikh Ahmed met with Hisham Sharaf, the Foreign Minister for the Houthi government.

Cheikh Ahmed concluded his visit with a call for a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis and the restoration of the cessation of hostilities.

“It is mandatory that the parties end the violence to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people and pave the way for a peacefully negotiated settlement,” said Mr. Cheikh Ahmed.

In his meetings, Ould Cheikh Ahmed urged representatives to enter into detailed discussions on the withdrawal of forces and handover of medium and heavy weapons.

“There is an urgent need for Ansar Allah and the General People’s congress to provide a well elaborated plan on security, withdrawal and handover of medium and heavy weapons,” he said, noting that the plan constitutes an essential part of the comprehensive peace agreement which is the UN is aiming to implement.

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