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UN: Close to Deal to End Aid Suspension in Yemen's Capital

Margaret Besheer

   UNITED NATIONS - The head of the World Food Program said Thursday that
   his agency is close to reaching agreement with Houthi rebel leaders to
   end a suspension of food aid in areas of Yemen that the group controls.
   "As of this moment, we have an agreement in principle, but it is not a
   signed agreement as of yet," David Beasley, Executive Director of WFP
   told a U.N. Security Council meeting on Yemen. "But once it is resolved
   we are ready to begin implementing this agreement immediately. We will
   have food back on the streets in Sana'a in a matter of just days."
   Last month, Beasley ordered a partial suspension of food distribution
   in the capital, Sana'a, which is controlled by Houthi rebels. He said
   it was necessary because the rebels were diverting aid for profit and
   not allowing aid agencies to operate independently.
   The suspension affected about 850,000 people. Programs for malnourished
   children and pregnant and nursing mothers in those areas were allowed
   to continue.

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