UN to convene Yemen talks in Sweden soon

The UN envoy for Yemen said Friday he intends to convene peace talks "shortly" in Sweden in a bid to end a war that has driven millions to the brink of famine.

The Saudi-backed government and the Huthi rebels have shown a "renewed commitment" to work on a political solution and have given "firm assurances" that they will attend the talks, Martin Griffiths told the Security Council.

"With this in mind, I intend to reconvene the parties shortly and to do so in Sweden," he said. "I believe we are close to resolving issues to make this happen." The Saudi-led coalition has agreed to "logistical arrangements" to pave the way for talks including medical evacuations out of rebel-held Sanaa, he added.

Griffiths announced he was close to reaching a deal on an exchange of prisoners and detainees, in a further sign that confidence-building measures were being taken ahead of planned talks.

"This is a crucial moment for Yemen," he said, warning that a flareup of fighting on the ground could derail the peace effort. No date for the talks was announced.

The United Nations had announced talks in Geneva in September that never materialized after the Huthis put forward last-minute demands.

Griffiths plans to travel to the rebel-held capital of Sanaa next week to finalize arrangements and offered to travel with the Huthi delegation to Sweden "if that's what is needed."