RIYADH — A two-week comprehensive cease-fire initiative by the Arab Coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen aims to support UN's efforts through its special envoy to end the conflict in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan said on Thursday. The Arab Coalition late on Wednesday announced a two-week unilateral truce in Yemen, effective Thursday (April 9) noon to facilitate efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic in the country. Commenting on the cease-fire announcement in a series of tweets, Prince Faisal said: "The Arab Coalition's decision to initiate a two-week cease-fire in Yemen to curb the coronavirus outbreak comes in support of UN Secretary-General Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths calls to end the Yemeni conflict." Highlighting the historic ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, he said: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a pioneer in supporting the brotherly Yemeni people during the past forty years, and we will continue to stand with Yemen during these circumstances." "We hope that the Houthis will seize this opportunity and respond positively and seriously to this initiative and prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people," he added. He also expressed the Kingdom's concern for the Yemeni people amid the pandemic. "Based on the Kingdom's concern, keenness, and commitment to the health and safety of the Yemeni people, the Kingdom has continued to support the United Nations and this year it has contributed $500 million to the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan in Yemen, in addition to $25 million to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19." Prince Faisal said.
