Representatives from the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebel group met in the Jordanian capital Amman on Wednesday to discuss attempts to end a siege on vital parts of Taez, Yemen's third largest city.
The office of the United Nations Yemen Envoy, Hans Grundberg, confirmed that talks had begun and efforts were under way to extend a two-month ceasefire, which expires on June 2.
A government delegation told local media that the negotiations could run into three days.
Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed met government negotiators in Aden on Tuesday, the Yemeni news agency tweeted.
The impoverished Arab country descended into civil war in 2014 after the Iran-aligned Houthis overran the capital Sanaa from the internationally recognised government, which relocated to the southern port city of Aden. In 2015, a Saudi-backed coalition intervened in the conflict at the request of the government.
Taez stretches from central Yemen to the south west. Government forces, allied tribes and other rival factions opposing the Houthis have gained a foothold in the city centre. However, the Houthis have mainly entrenched themselves over the past seven years in the east and north, which are home to pivotal trade routes and industrial installations.
Yemen’s conflict has entered its eighth year and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Around 80 per cent of the population is reliant on aid and millions face starvation, according the United Nations World Food Programme.
The continuing truce is the first such one between the government and the Houthis in the past seven years.
It has largely held despite alleged violations by the Houthis.
There have been signs of confidence-building measures in recent weeks as fuel shipments were allowed to the country’s principal harbour city of Al Hodeidah, which is controlled by the Houthis.
Sanaa International Airport has also reopened for commercial flights for the first time since 2016.
Negotiations to reopen the roads of Taez and end the Houthis’ blockade had been placed on the back-burner until the UN announcement on Wednesday.
Government officials told The National on Monday that the ceasefire could be extended, as Houthi rebels said they were “not opposed” to the idea.
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
More on Quran memorisation:
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The six points:
1. Ministers should be in the field, instead of always at conferences
2. Foreign diplomacy must be left to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation
3. Emiratisation is a top priority that will have a renewed push behind it
4. The UAE's economy must continue to thrive and grow
5. Complaints from the public must be addressed, not avoided
6. Have hope for the future, what is yet to come is bigger and better than before
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
More from Neighbourhood Watch
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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