The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen announced that the ceasefire in Yemen has been extended for a month, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Coalition's official spokesperson Col. Turki Al-Maliki said, "In reference to its previous announcement on 8 April, 2020, and in response to the ceasefire request by Special Envoy of Secretary General to Yemen Martin Griffiths in order to allow progress in the negotiations between the two parties the Coalition hereby announces a one-month extension of the ceasefire beginning Thursday, 23 April, 2020. "The ongoing negotiations are regarding a permanent ceasefire, economic and humanitarian measures agreements, and relaunch of the political process. In addition, the Coalition's seriousness to alleviate the suffering of the people of Yemen, working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent its outbreak with the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, was taken into consideration." The Coalition reiterated that the chance is still there for concerted efforts to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Yemen, and consensus on serious, direct and tangible steps to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni brotherly people. It added that it will strongly support such fundamental steps with the UN in order to reach a just and comprehensive political solution agreed upon by all the Yemenis. Earlier, on April 8, the Arab Coalition had announced a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen for two weeks with the possibility of extension. Coalition's Al-Maliki, who had said this was an opportunity to join all efforts in reaching a comprehensive and lasting truce in Yemen, had hoped for an extension. The truce was welcomed by all nations, with the UN chief António Guterres stating at that time "this could help to advance efforts towards peace as well as the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic." He had said, "Only through dialogue, the parties will be able to agree on a mechanism for sustaining a nationwide ceasefire, humanitarian and economic confidence-building measures to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, and the resumption of the political process to reach a comprehensive settlement to end the conflict." — SG
