Luxembourg, 20/14/2014 (Agence Europe) - In their Council meeting on Monday 20 October, EU foreign ministers welcomed the appointment of Khaled Bahah as Yemen's new prime minister and urged the swift formation of a new inclusive government.
In their conclusions, the ministers also call upon all political actors to engage constructively and support President Hadi in his efforts. “State institutions, political parties and social groups must work together to ensure the swift implementation of all parts of the Agreement” (Peace and National Partnership Agreement of 21 September), the Council states. “The EU is concerned that slow progress in the implementation of NDC recommendations has significantly hampered Yemen's ability to tackle its pressing security, economic, and humanitarian challenges”, state the ministers. They call for economic reform and action to tackle the humanitarian crisis affecting half of the population.
The Council also calls on the Constitutional Drafting Committee to quickly deliver a draft Constitution, which “preserves the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen”.
Unreservedly condemning the recent violence and underlining that security is an “essential prerequisite for the success of the transition”, the ministers call on those engaged in armed confrontation to lay down their arms and act in keeping with the law and with state authority. (CG)