Brussels, 07/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - “Very concerned” by reports of increasing violence in ethnic clashes in Sada'a and Dammaj (Yemen), High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on all parties on 6 November “to immediately end fighting and seek a settlement of the conflict through peaceful means”. “Yemen's national dialogue conference has set an example in bringing the country's different constituencies together and joining forces with the aim of shaping a peaceful and prosperous future. Only dialogue can help resolve conflicts, facilitate understanding between communities and set the path for building a nation where communities can peacefully co-exist”, said Ashton's spokesperson in a press release.
Stating that the violence has claimed many lives, partly because the wounded could not be evacuated, Ashton “notes with relief” that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been granted access to the city of Sada'a in order “to deliver essential support and evacuate gravely wounded people”. At least 100 people have reportedly died in the violence. (CG/transl.fl)