Brussels, 11/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 10 February, EU foreign affairs ministers hailed the positive conclusion of the national dialogue conference in Yemen, underlining that the country “now has to focus on the subsequent steps of the constituent phase”. This phase includes drafting a new constitution, implementing the national dialogue conference outcomes, and the timely organisation of a constitutional referendum and general elections conducted in a transparent and credible way, the EU foreign affairs ministers state.
In its conclusions, the Council condemns any acts aimed at undermining state institutions and the transition process. It reiterates its growing concern about the deteriorating security situation and condemns in the strongest terms the recent wave of violence and terrorist attacks. “The EU calls on the Yemeni government to thoroughly investigate these incidents”, add the EU ministers, who are concerned about the increasing number of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings in Yemen.
The EU considers security a prime prerequisite for the success of the transition period and the socio-economic development of Yemen, the Council states. “It is therefore crucial to progress urgently with the thorough-going reform of the security sector”, the Council says. The EU foreign affairs ministers also call on the Yemeni government to undertake much needed reforms in the economic area. (CG/transl.fl)