19/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton welcomes start of national dialogue. On 18 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton welcomed the start of the national dialogue in Yemen the same day, describing it as “a historic step in Yemen's transition”. In her press release, Ashton calls on all those involved to engage positively in this dialogue so that the work is taken forward towards the adoption of a new constitution and the preparation of elections, in line with the established timetable. “These elections will lay the ground for a new Yemen that responds to the aspirations of the Yemeni people for a more secure and prosperous future”, Ashton said, reiterating the EU's support. (CG/transl.fl)