The Yemeni government, with the backing of the Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthis have been fighting since 2015.
Mr. Guterres commended the parties for reaching an agreement to start at 7 p.m. local time, and to coincide with the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
A better future
“Today must be the beginning of a better future for the people of Yemen,” he speaksaid in New York.
Guterres called on all parties to “make necessary arrangements to support the successful implementation of the ceasefire and the operation of cooperation mechanisms without delay”.
The truce was announced by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, earlier on Friday.
In statementhe called on the parties to fully comply with and respect the agreement, and take all necessary steps for the immediate implementation of the agreement.
‘Long overdue step’
“This truce is the first step and long overdue,” Mr. Grundberg said. “All the Yemeni women, men and children who have suffered immensely during more than seven years of war, look no further than an end to this war. The parties must deliver the goods no more, no less”.
Under the truce, the warring parties have agreed to cease all offensive military activities in Yemen and its cross-borders.
They have also agreed to allow fuel tankers to enter ports in the Hudaydah region and for commercial flights to operate from the airport in the capital Sana’a to pre-determined destinations in the region.
The parties have agreed to meet under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy to pave the way in Taiz and other states.
Possibility of extension
The head of the United Nations said the ceasefire, which could potentially be extended, opens the door to addressing pressing humanitarian and economic needs in Yemen, while providing a real opportunity to restart. political process.
“The cessation of hostilities, along with the entry of fuel tankers, and the relaxation of restrictions on the movement of people and goods in, in and out of the country, will contribute to building trust and creating created a favorable environment to resume negotiations for one he said.
Mr. Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy, said he plans to intensify work with the parties for a period of two months, with the aim of achieving a permanent ceasefire, resolving urgent economic and humanitarian measures. and resume the political process.
