20/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Further call for calm. After dozens were killed during protests in Sanaa, on 18 and 19 September, Catherine Ashton felt that “the latest events yet again underscore the need for rapid political solution to meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people. The EU reiterates the need to sign and implement the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and stands ready to extend support to Yemeni stakeholders, the GCC and our international partners”, according to Ashton's spokesperson Maja Kocijancic in a press release on 20 September. The EU high representative also called for calm, saying: “It is crucial to exercise restraint, avoid provocative action, refrain from further violence and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation. Perpetrators of the violence should be held accountable.” (CG/transl.jl)