Switzerland: Yemen is a "time bomb" - Ban Ki-moon

The conflict in Yemen needs to be resolved, as it has become a "time bomb," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated at the opening of peace talks in Geneva on Monday. The peace negotiations had to be started without all delegates present, as some Houthi officials and other representatives were delayed due to logistical reasons. It is expected that the missing delegates will arrive by the end of the day. Ki-moon said he regretted that the peace talks began without everyone being present, but they could not be delayed. The UN Secretary General urged the conflicting parties to find common ground as it is their "responsibility to end fighting." He called for a two week humanitarian pause to mark Ramadan, so that those in need could finally access assistance. According to the UN Secretary General more than 2,600 people have been killed in the conflict and 80 percent of Yemen's population is "in need of humanitarian assistance."