A delegation of Houthi rebels has arrived in Sweden for talks with the Yemeni government
aimed at ending a four-year war that has led to the worst humanitarian catastrophe in recent
times.
But distrust between the warring parties is high.
Passports and tickets in hand, for a journey many hope will bring peace.
A delegation of Houthi rebels waiting to board their flight to Sweden.
The UN's special envoy Martin Griffiths has been instrumental in setting up the talks
with the Yemeni government.
Such is the distrust between the two sides, the rebels wouldn't get on the plane without
him.
Our basic guarantee is the presence of the UN envoy with us on the same flight.
This is the only guarantee we have for going there."
The evacuation of 50 wounded Houthi fighters from the warzone on has also helped built
confidence in the talks -- with the conflict locked in stalemate.
The Houthis -- backed by Iran -- control the northwest of the country, including the capital
Sanaa, which they took in 2015.
The government -- backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE -- has set up base in Aden, in the
south.
Four years of conflict have left thousands dead and created what's been described as
the worst humanitarian crisis in recent history.
With Yemen's economy crippled, more than 14 million people -- many of them children -- are
facing starvation.
It is a country at war, as I've heard many say, this is a country on the brink of catastrophe.
This is not a country on the break of catastrophe, this is a country that is in a catastrophe.
A catastrophe that's unfolded in full view of the whole world, but one many say has been
ignored.
The hope is the talks will result in a truce, allowing food and aid to reach those who need
it most.