Geneva---UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for an immediate humanitarian truce in Yemen as peace talks began in Geneva and a Saudi-led Arab coalition continued aerial bombardments of the ravaged country.
Global powers are keen for a speedy resolution of the conflict, fearing the growing power of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch of the jihadist network which has taken advantage of the chaos to seize territory.
"We do not have a moment to lose," Ban said, adding that the fighting was "giving strength to some of the world's most ruthless terrorist groups."
"I hope this week starts the beginning of the end of the fighting," Ban said, stressing this was vital to get crucial humanitarian supplies through.
The UN has described the country's humanitarian crisis as "catastrophic", with 80 percent of the population -- 20 million people -- in need of aid.
"Ramadan begins in two days," Ban said, stressing that the holy Muslim month should be a period for harmony, peace and reconciliation.
"I have emphasised the importance of another humanitarian pause for at least two weeks," the UN chief said, after meeting the government delegation.
Yemen has been wracked by conflict between Iran-backed Shiite rebels and exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's internationally recognised government.
Ban said the violence had killed more than 2,600 people, half of them civilians.
- 'Yemen a time bomb' -
"Today, Yemen's very existence hangs in the balance," Ban said. "While parties bicker, Yemen burns."
He also called on the warring factions to "reach agreement on local ceasefires, with the withdrawal of armed groups from cities."
But analysts said there was little optimism over the talks, which began on Monday without the presence of the Iran-backed rebel delegation after their plane was delayed in Djibouti.
The UN announced later on Monday that the UN plane carrying the Huthi representatives was finally on its way to Switzerland after the layover in Djibouti.
The UN had worked to get the rebel group to Geneva on time but "there are issues involving international aviation that are beyond the control of the UN", spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
AFP
