Brussels, 04/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton met in Brussels on Wednesday 2 February with the foreign minister of Yemen, Abu-Bakr Al Qirbi, whose country is caught up in the wave of popular revolt sweeping through Tunisia, Egypt and other countries in the Arab world on the fringes of the Mediterranean. On Thursday 3 February, tens of thousands of opposition supporters in Yemen demonstrated in the capital, Sanaa, demanding democratic reform, despite the announcement by President Ali Abdallah Saleh (who has been in power for more than 32 years) that he would like another term of office. In her interview with the foreign minister, Ashton said political and economic reform was urgently needed as part of a “comprehensive and inclusive national dialogue” with the opposition and civil society. She said that such a dialogue would offer “an opportunity to unlock progress on political issues, from the holding of meaningful multiparty democratic elections to wider national reconciliation”. Ashton discussed with Abu-Bakr Al Qirbi economic reforms needed in the country, the security situation and counter-terror. “The EU and wider international community have a role to play in helping Yemen implement reforms which deliver benefits to all its people: stronger democracy, sustainable livelihoods, effective protection of human rights”, added the high representative, explaining: “The EU development aid to Yemen in the coming 3 years is of €70 million in support of democratic governance and social and economic development. A further €110 million in other forms of aid has also been provided since 2007 - food security, human rights, civil society, migration and rule of law.” During his visit to Brussels, Abu-Bakr Al Qirbi also met with EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva. (H.B./transl.fl)