Brussels, 23/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 September, the European Union welcomed the signing of the peace and national partnership agreement in Yemen “under the good offices” of United Nations envoy Jamal Benomar. “This offers a way out of the present crisis and should contribute to the restoration of political stability and peace in the country”, states the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton in a press release. The agreement was reached on 21 September after four days of clashes in which at least 200 people were killed and the country's capital, Sana'a, was seized by Ansar Allah Shia Houthists. The agreement should bring an end to clashes between Houthists and Sunni fighters from the Al-Islah party.
The European Union condemned the violence “unreservedly”. “It is essential that all parties to the Agreement cease hostilities and work together to implement fully its provisions in particular those relating to the security situation in Amran, Al Jawf, Mareb and Sana'a”, Ashton's spokesperson stressed, adding that the government institutions must return to the control of the legitimate authorities, under the leadership of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, the head of state.
“Yemen can no longer afford violent conflict”, he emphasised. “The National Dialogue Conference has shown the way forward as Yemen's different constituencies have settled differences through peaceful dialogue”, he argued.
Prime Minister Mohammed Basindawa resigned on 21 September in protest against President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, whom he accuses of “monopolising power”. The EU says that it is looking forward to the formation of a new government “to complete without delay the transition in an inclusive manner, in line with the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference” and urged everyone to work “peacefully towards a democratic Yemen that responds to the legitimate aspirations of its citizens”. (CG)