DHAKA: Saudi Arabia says it is prepared to introduce a five-day humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen.

A Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen six weeks ago. At least 1,400 people have been killed, the UN says.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Saudi Arabia and Yemeni rebels are discussing when to start the ceasefire, reports the BBC.

The Saudi foreign minister said any truce would depend on the rebels’ co-operation.

Saudi Arabia insists the Houthis must lay down their arms for the humanitarian ceasefire to be implemented. The rebels have not yet responded to the appeal.

The Saudi-led coalition aims to restore the government of exiled president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

He fled the capital Sana’a in February and took refuge in the southern port city of Aden, before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia has accused Shia-led Iran of backing the Houthis, who are affiliated with the Zaidi sect of Shia Islam. Tehran denies the accusations.

BDST: 2158 HRS, MAY 07, 2015
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