France has urged the Yemeni parties, particularly the Houthis, to engage in good faith in the negotiations led by the United Nations and Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen. It commended the Saudi and Omani efforts to reach a ceasefire and revive the political talks. The UN Special Envoy described the current opportunity for peace between Yemenis as “delicate and rare,” pledging to intensify efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire and revive the political process. The French Foreign Ministry offered its condolences to the families of the victims of the stampede in Houthi-ruled Sanaa, which left more than 200 people dead and injured. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need to end the suffering and the humanitarian crisis experienced by the Yemeni people by resolving the conflict in Yemen,” according to the ministry. “France reaffirms its full support for the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, whose efforts are vital to achieving a comprehensive political settlement – the only way to bring about a lasting peace and to end the civil war that has been ravaging the country for more than eight years.” In a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, France called on all the parties, “particularly the Houthis, to negotiate in good faith”. “France commends the efforts by Saudi Arabia and Oman to bring about a comprehensive ceasefire and to revive political negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthis under the auspices of the UN.” “France particularly applauds the positive dynamic that led to the recent release of more than 900 prisoners, notably thanks to the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN.” Grundberg said on Monday there is the most serious opportunity in eight years to make progress toward ending the conflict. He told the UN Security Council that “the parties have recently shown that negotiations can deliver results.” “I am concerned about recent military activity in Marib, Shabwa, Taiz, and other governorates... I call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint, and refrain from provocative actions.” The latest developments follow the visit of a Saudi delegation led by the Kingdom's Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, to Sanaa. Al-Jaber said on Monday his visit to Sanaa aims to stabilize the truce and ceasefire, support the prisoner exchange process, and explore dialogue prospects between the Yemeni components to reach a sustainable and comprehensive political solution. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted days ago that the “meetings and discussions featured transparency in an optimistic and positive atmosphere”.