Sanaa: Yemeni Shiite rebels agreed Friday to halt fighting with Islamists and troops just north of the capital that has killed dozens of people this week, negotiators linked to UN mediation said.
"Rebel chief Abdelmalek al-Huthi designated two of his deputies to sign a deal in Sanaa in the coming hours, or tomorrow," one of the negotiators told journalists in Huthi`s northern stronghold of Saada.
The fighting, which began early this week, had intensified on Thursday, prompting international airlines to suspend flights in and out of the nearby airport and state television to stop broadcasting after coming under fire.
The Shiite rebels, known as Huthis or Ansarullah, are demanding a new government, accusing the current one of corruption.
They also want a voice in the choice of ministers and access to the sea from their northern redoubt.
Details were not immediately available on the ceasefire agreement, which appeared to be the fruit of discussions UN envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar has had with Huthi since flying to Saada on Wednesday.
Government representatives also participated in those talks.
