Warring Sides Agree To Initial Withdrawal From Hodeidah

The Yemeni government and Houthi rebels have agreed to a plan to withdraw from the vital port of Hodeidah, reports Agence France-Presse. 

Following two days of talks, representatives from both sides finalized a deal for the first phase and agreed in principle to a second phase, a U.N. statement said on Sunday. 

The deal includes promises to withdraw from ports in Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Saleef, and humanitarian facilities in Hodeidah.  

The second phase would involve the complete redeployment of all combatants in Hodeidah province, said U.N. negotiators. 

There was no deadline for the pullout. 

Negotiations were overseen by the new head of the U.N. observer mission in the country, Danish Gen. Michael Lollesgaard.

In December, the Houthis and the government agreed to a two-week cease-fire in Hodeidah followed by a withdrawal. The cease-fire has mostly held despite numerous clashes, reported the Voice of America News. 

Hodeidah is Yemen's main entry point for food, medicine and other aid. Fighting in the city has significantly hindered efforts by humanitarian workers to get aid to those in need.