Saudi officials announce Yemen cease-fire amid pandemic

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By AHMED AL-HAJ and MAGGIE MICHAEL

CAIRO (AP) — Saudi officials said the coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen will begin a cease-fire starting Thursday.

The officials told journalists Wednesday night the decision was in response to U.N. calls to halt hostilities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

They said the cease-fire will be for two weeks, during which the coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government will support U.N. efforts to bring the rival parties to the table for peace talks.

“We remain committed to the cease-fire and we will see what is the response by the Houthis,” one of the Saudi officials said. “We hope with effort of the U.N. and members of the Security Council (this will) put pressure on the Houthis to stop the hostilities ... and to be serious in engagement with the Yemeni government.”


Read more: https://apnews.com/ed2a15ab941453af881e0a4a8f74d351

[Igel]

1. We'll see if the Houthis go along.

And, if they don't, if Iran will put some pressure on them.