Saudi Arabia announces 5-day cease-fire in Yemen war
Saudi Arabia and the United States said Thursday a renewable, five-day cease-fire in Yemen's war would start soon to facilitate aid to millions of civilians in need, if Iran-backed rebels and their allies also agree to stop fighting, The Associated Press reported.
At a joint news conference, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the kingdom would halt airstrikes in Yemen because it is determined to expand relief assistance to the Yemeni people. Saudi Arabia will provide $274 million in new assistance, he said.
Secretary of State John Kerry said the so-called "humanitarian pause" wouldn't start for several days, enough time for diplomatic efforts to convince the Houthi rebels and their backers to accept the terms of the deal. He said aid organizations also needed time to coordinate the best strategy for getting food, fuel and medicine into and around the country.
The announcement was made after Kerry met King Salman and other top Saudi officials in Riyadh. Kerry praised the king for seeking a peaceful resolution to Yemen's war and for inviting "all relevant parties" to an upcoming peace conference in Saudi Arabia.
Kerry said the cease-fire would mean "no bombing, no shooting" and no repositioning of forces.