UN urges extension of Yemen ceasefire

A UN envoy called for an extension of a humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen due to expire yesterday as the Huthi Shia rebels boycotted political talks in Riyadh.

The appeal followed clashes on the ground between rebels and pro-government forces that killed dozens across south Yemen on Saturday despite the truce, which has largely held.

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"I call on all parties to renew their commitment to this truce for five more days at least," UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed said in the Saudi capital.

"This humanitarian truce should turn into a permanent ceasefire," the Mauritanian diplomat added.

Aid groups have also called for a lasting truce in the impoverished country, where a Saudi-led regional coalition has been waging an air war on the Iran-backed Huthis since late March.

Yemeni political parties began talks Sunday in the Saudi capital aimed at finding a political solution to the crisis.

But the Huthis stayed away from the meeting of about 400 delegates including President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who has taken refuge in Riyadh.

The war has sent tensions soaring between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and its Shia rival Iran, which has vehemently denied accusations it armed the Huthis.

UN says more than 1,500 people have died in the conflict since late March.