Brussels, 04/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 3 October, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso called on all parties and political forces in Yemen to play a constructive role in the country's reform process, to conform with the agreement that has been concluded, and to work together for Yemen's future. During his meeting with the president of Yemen, Abd al-Rab al-Mansur al-Hadi, Barroso stressed the importance of Yemen implementing a programme of structural reforms, especially to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms, sound management of public finance and the fight against corruption. He also encouraged Hadi to develop cooperation mechanisms with civil society and the private sector. Barroso also welcomed Hadi's decision to set up the social dialogue - “an essential instrument to ensure a Yemeni-led, inclusive transition”. “This is the right step in the right direction”, he said.
Hadi said that Yemen is committed to a national dialogue and he hoped they could begin the dialogue before the end of the year. He added that a committee is currently working on how the dialogue will be undertaken, and wants the situation in the south of the country, in the region of Sadaa, and the situation of women and young people to be discussed as part of the dialogue. In his view, if the country does not manage to overcome the difficulties and if the dialogue does not work, he will be up against the risk of civil war.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expressed her concern at “attempts to derail this delicate transition”, saying that stability, security and investment should go hand in hand. She spoke of the EU's support - particularly financial support - for Yemen's transition. (CG/transl.fl)