UN council backs Yemen envoy's efforts for new peace talks

The Security Council gave strong backing Tuesday to the UN special envoy for Yemen as he seeks to bring the warring parties together after a failed effort last week.

In a statement following a briefing by Martin Griffiths on his plans, the council urged all sides "to invest in confidence-building measures, engage in future consultations in good faith and seize the opportunity to de-escalate tensions."
"We need to stay focused on nurturing the political process particularly in its early stages, and building the needed momentum so that it can deliver tangible benefits to Yemenis throughout Yemen."
He expressed relief that the Red Sea port city of Hodeida key to deliveries of food, medicine and other needed supplies hasn't yet suffered "the calamity of military operations."