欧美文化:UN chief welcomes Yemen truce agreement

UNITED NATIONS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed the agreement by the parties to the conflict in Yemen on a two-month truce, which comes into effect on Saturday.

Guterres said the truce opens the door to addressing Yemen's urgent humanitarian and economic needs, and creates an opportunity to restart Yemen's political process.

"This truce must be the first step to ending Yemen's devastating war," said Guterres.

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg has just announced the breakthrough in Amman, Jordan.

Grundberg said the parties have agreed to halt all offensive military air, ground and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders. They have also agreed for fuel ships to enter into Hodeidah ports and for commercial flights to operate in and out of Sanaa airport to pre-determined destinations in the region.

Grundberg said the parties have further agreed to meet under his auspices to open roads in Taiz and other governorates in Yemen.

The truce can be renewed beyond the two-month period with the consent of the parties, said Grundberg.