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What could help Yemen

Jul 11,2015 - Last updated at Jul 11,2015

Just as Yemenis, and the region, were about to sigh in relief at the news that at long last there could be a respite from war, now in its third month, through a ceasefire brokered by the UN on Friday, Saudi-led air strikes hit targets in Sanaa and the southern city of Taiz following reports of ground fighting.

The parties to the conflict in Yemen had pledged to respect the ceasefire, giving relief agencies hope that they would be able to deliver desperately needed aid to millions of Yemenis threatened by famine.

The UN announced on Thursday the six-day ceasefire, which was to start Friday and last until the end of Ramadan, July 17, but clashes between rebels and fighters loyal to President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi raise doubts about the success of the truce.

If it fails to hold, it will definitely worsen the suffering of the people.

According to UN sources, Yemen has reached level-3 category of humanitarian emergency, the highest possible by UN standards, with half of the country’s regions affected by serious food, water, medicine and fuel shortages, and more than 21.1 million people, 80 per cent of the total population, in dire need of basic necessities.

When the suffering reaches such a high level, it is not really important who wins the war, irrespective of who started it.

What is important is to stop a situation in which the biggest loser is the people.

One hopes that the truce announced by the UN holds and can be extended beyond the Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of fasting.

 

That might help the two sides sit around the negotiation table and reach a sensible accord that could sustain a lasting peace and stability in this Arab country, based on pluralistic democracy and in absolute sovereignty.

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