The UN envoy to Yemen said Thursday he was engaged in talks with the country's warring parties to secure a nationwide ceasefire to help counter the threat of the new coronavirus.
Yemen has so far not recorded any case of COVID-19, but aid groups are concerned that when or if it does hit, the impact will be catastrophic for a country already facing what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Martin Griffiths' office said he is discussing "concrete steps" with all sides despite a recent escalation in the long conflict.
The UN official is in daily consultations aimed at bringing the warring sides together in "virtual" negotiations as soon as possible, a statement from his office added, AFP reported.
"I hope that these consultations can be soon completed and deliver what Yemenis expect, demand and deserve," it quoted the envoy as saying.
The United Nations has issued a global call for armed groups to stand down during the pandemic.
"This process further aims to foster joint efforts to counter the threat of COVID-19," the statement said.
Griffiths said he was in regular contact with both parties "on reaching agreements on a nationwide ceasefire, humanitarian and economic measures to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people".
Tens of thousands of Yemenis has been killed in more than five years of fighting that has devastated the war-torn country.
