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UN Envoy: Yemeni Rebels Express 'Strong Desire' for Peace

by Associated Press

   SANAA --

   The U.N. envoy to Yemen has expressed optimism after meeting with the
   top leader of the Houthi rebels in a bid to end the country's
   devastating civil war.

   In a statement issued before his departure from the rebel-held capital,
   Sanaa, Martin Griffiths said the rebels expressed a "strong desire for
   peace'' and discussed "concrete ideas for achieving peace," without
   elaborating.
   He said he may meet with President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in the
   southern city of Aden.

   A Saudi-led coalition allied with Hadi's internationally recognized
   government has been at war with the Houthis since 2015, and previous
   peace efforts have failed.

   The U.N. hopes to prevent a full-scale coalition assault on the port
   city of Hodeida, a vital lifeline for a country already teetering on
   the brink of famine.