Updated

The United Nations envoy for Yemen says the warring parties in Yemen have agreed to take part in peace talks in the region next week.

Special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed welcomed the commitment of the government, Shiite Houthi rebels and the General People's Congress to attend the talks. He said in a statement Thursday that he will announce a venue and date in the coming days.

Yemen's conflict pits the Iran-supported Houthis and troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against an array of forces including southern separatists, local and tribal militias, Sunni Islamic militants and troops loyal to President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

Ahmed urged the participants "to engage constructively and in good faith" to work for an agreement on a cease-fire and a political transition.