Yemen ceasefire `largely holding`: UN

United Nations: A ceasefire that took effect in Yemen on Monday appears to be largely holding despite reports of fighting in some areas, the UN spokesman said.

The truce between the Saudi-backed government and Iran-supported Huthi rebels and their allies came into force at midnight local time (2100 GMT Sunday).

"The cessation of hostilities seems to be largely holding," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, although he noted that there were "some pockets of violence."

There were reports of ceasefire violations by the rebels around Taez while the Huthis said there was at least one coalition air strike in Taez province.

The ceasefire is to pave the way for peace talks to begin in Kuwait next Monday and to help relief groups deliver desperately-needed humanitarian aid.

Among the Arab world`s poorest countries, Yemen slid deeper into chaos in March 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes to push back a Huthi offensive.

More than 6,300 people have been killed in the war that has worsened the humanitarian crisis, with more than 80 percent of the population on the brink of famine.

UN diplomats said they expected progress in the new peace effort, noting that Saudi Arabia this time around appeared more willing to negotiate an end to the conflict.

"There is a more meaningful prospect for talks," a Security Council diplomat said.

Previous UN-sponsored negotiations failed to reach a breakthrough, while a ceasefire that entered into force on December 15 was repeatedly violated until the Saudi-led coalition announced an end to it on January 2.

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