22/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - Ashton condemns suicide attack. EU High Representative Catherine Ashton has expressed her total condemnation of the “terrible and brutal” attack on Yemeni soldiers rehearsing for the national day parade. Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attack on Monday 21 May which claimed the lives of over one hundred soldiers. Ashton stated that the European Union is “deeply concerned by all attempts to derail Yemen's transition” and called on all parties to abide by the undertakings set out in the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and implementation mechanism, “in good faith”. She made clear that the EU is fully committed to assisting President Hadi, exploring all available options to ensure compliance from any individuals who persist in undermining or opposing the political transition in Yemen. (CG/transl.rt)