Kuwait, (NNN-WAM) : United Nations-sponsored talks to end the crisis in Yemen resumed Thursday in Kuwait where U.N. special envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed earlier held a series of meetings with ambassadors and senior Kuwaiti officials as part of a bid to broker a final and comprehensive agreement between warring parties.

The resumption of the Yemeni peace talks, which began on April 21, comes after Kuwait recently issued an ultimatum to the warring parties to strike a deal within 15 days or leave the Gulf state, Kuwait’s state news agency said.

Later, the UN envoy will meet the delegates of the internationally-recognised Yemeni government and the rebels.

Other items on the agenda of the meeting include the setting up of special committees to oversee the suspension of fighting, withdrawal of rebel fighters, handing over their arms to the government as well as releasing prisoners.

Talks will be focused on establishing a nationwide cessation of hostilities and opening safe humanitarian corridors to affected areas.