Almotamar.net - The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said on Tuesday that the Yemeni parties have agreed to open on 15 December for talks in Switzerland.

The talks came aimed at establishing a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, he added.

"We strongly believe that the only way to end the suffering of the Yemeni people and to rebuild confidence, trust, and mutual respect is through peaceful and inclusive dialogue," told reporters in Geneva.

The Special Envoy said that both the Government of Yemen, the Houthis and other relevant parties have committed to participate in the talks, which he will chair and will also include eight negotiators and four advisors for each delegation.

The talks are also set to secure improvements in the humanitarian situation and a return to a peaceful and orderly political transition, he added.

Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed thanked all the participating stakeholders of the discussions for their conciliatory and courageous attitude and their commitment to bring a lasting peace to Yemen, and added that he was "very optimistic" of the parties reaching a permanent ceasefire.

"I call upon the parties to engage in good faith in search of a durable political solution for Yemen which meets the legitimate aspirations of Yemeni people for peace, stability, and prosperity," he stressed, adding that making peace requires "a lot of courage, personal sacrifice and tenacity."

Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that he had been strongly encouraging the parties to work on confidence building measures, including implementing a ceasefire, releasing prisoners, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian supplies that would constitute positive steps in the efforts to lessen tensions and ease the path to a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Yemen.

"On behalf of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, I call on the parties to adhere to a ceasefire effective 15 December in order to create an environment conducive to peace talks, save lives and give hope to the Yemeni people," Ahmed concluded.