UN Special Envoy Griffiths Renews Call for De-Escalation in Yemen

CAIRO (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 23rd January, 2020) UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths has expressed his deep concern over the recent wave of escalation in the country and called on all conflict-involved parties to end their fighting and adhere to the peace agreement initiative.

Earlier in the week, the International Committee of the Red Cross told Sputnik that aid groups had experienced road blockades that hamper the deliveries of humanitarian relief to the population. Prior to that, medical staff at a local Yemeni hospital said that 80 people were killed in a missile attack on a Yemeni army camp in the northeastern part of the country, with dozens of others being treated for injuries.

"Mr. Griffiths calls on all the parties involved to take all necessary measures to cease all military activities, including movement of troops, airstrikes, missile and drone attacks.

He calls on the parties to adhere to the implementation of the initiatives they have undertaken to de-escalate and to further enhance these initiatives. Reduction of violence is crucial for sustaining the progress made so far on de-escalation," Griffiths said in a statement released by his office.

Griffiths added that all sides should enhance their efforts to advance the peace process.

According to the Red Cross' figures, over 3 million people, the majority of whom are women and children, have been made homeless during Yemen's civil war.