UN envoy says risk of return to war in Yemen ‘real’

By SAMY MAGDY
Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — The U.N. envoy for Yemen has warned that the risk of a return to fighting in the country “is real” and urged warring parties to accept a longer extension of the current cease-fire due to expire next month. Hans Grundberg’s warning came after he met with the head of the internationally recognized presidential council, and with the chief negotiator of the Houthi rebels. Grundberg said late Tuesday he discussed a U.N. proposal to renew the truce for a longer time, to extend efforts to end the conflict. A government official says the proposal includes the payment of civilian servants in Houthi-held territories, and reopening of roads in blockaded cities, including Taiz.