Zarif Discusses With Guterres Yemen Peace Efforts

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres discussed efforts to end the war and ensure peace in Yemen.

In a telephone conversation with Zarif on Tuesday evening, the UN chief elaborated on the international organization’s latest measures to end the Yemen war, establish fair peace, and initiate political talks in the Arab country.

Guterres also called on Iran to continue its strenuous efforts to help establish peace in Yemen.

Zarif, for his part, expressed Iran's support for the UN's efforts to establish peace in the Arabian Peninsula country, and underlined the necessity of ending the war, lifting the blockade, and delivering humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people.

He also expressed hope that peace and stability would be restored in the Arab country through intra-Yemeni talks and the formation of an inclusive government.

The Saudi-led war on Yemen has taken a heavy toll on the poor country's infrastructures since March 2015, destroying hospitals, schools, and factories.

According to the UN, 80 percent of Yemen’s 30 million people need some form of aid or protection. About 13.5 million Yemenis currently face acute food insecurity.