Foreign Secretary welcomes Gulf Cooperation Council mediation efforts in Yemen
Foreign Secretary William Hague has reiterated the importance of efforts to resolve political deadlock in Yemen.
Foreign Secretary William Hague today reiterated the importance of efforts to resolve political deadlock in Yemen, and welcomed mediation efforts by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Speaking after the Contact Group meeting on Libya in Qatar, he said:
“As the European Council said yesterday, President Saleh must take, without delay, concrete steps to enable a credible and peaceful political transition in Yemen.
“I welcome the GCC’s commitment to resolve the current political deadlock in Yemen and its attempts to bring all actors to a GCC-led meeting in Riyadh to agree the transition process as soon as possible. The UK supports the unity of Yemen and the security and dignity of all Yemeni people. It is vital that the Yemeni people experience real progress on these rights without delay.
“The Yemeni people legitimately demand reform and political accountability. President Saleh has committed to constitutional reform and the transition of power to the Vice President and a Unity Government. I urge all parties to agree a structure as soon as possible.
A lengthy transition heightens the risk of more political and economic instability and further unacceptable violence in contrast to the bravery and commitment of the peaceful Yemeni protesters.
We call on the international Friends of Yemen Group to be ready to support Yemen’s transition.”