Peace talks between Yemen's warring parties due to begin in Kuwait on Monday have been delayed, UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said, urging the country's rebels to take part.

"Due to developments over the last few hours, the start of the Yemeni-Yemeni peace negotiations scheduled to begin today... in Kuwait, will be delayed," the envoy said in a statement, without specifying when they might take place.

"We are working to overcome the latest challenges and ask the delegations to show good faith (and) participate in the talks in order to reach a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Yemen," said Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

"The next few hours are crucial," he warned, calling on all parties to "take their responsibilities seriously and agree on comprehensive solutions".

He urged the Huthi rebels and their allies not to "miss this opportunity that could save Yemen the loss of more lives."

The start of the talks was delayed Monday morning after the insurgent delegation failed to show up in Kuwait claiming truce violations.
Source: AFP