Brussels, 12/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - In a debate in the European Parliament on Wednesday 11 February, MEPs called for political dialogue in Yemen, as the situation in the country worsens.
“Some say the transition in Yemen has failed completely. … There is no legitimate authority in Sana'a and we are bewildered in the face of this terrible spiral of violence. The solution is the political way, a referendum on the constitution, elections and by genuine, inclusive political dialogue”, argued Cristian Preda (EPP, Romania).
Richard Howitt (S&D, UK) highlighted the need to keep channels of communication open and to support the efforts of the United Nations. “There is a risk of a failed state. Action has to be taken on two fronts. Firstly, diplomatic efforts have to be made to avoid the country slipping into chaos. And if we want to defend our people and defend our values, more must be done in the Arab world countries where reform is under way to support these efforts”, he argued. Support for reform efforts was also stressed by Barbara Lochbihler (Greens/EFA, Germany). “Political dialogue has to be strengthened. This is the only thing that can lead to a lasting solution, and all the players have to be involved”, she said. She also underlined that the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for human rights violations during the 2011 demonstrations was one of the causes of the conflict.
In the view of Anna Elzbieta Fotyga (ECR, Poland), the EU must work in concert with the UN, adding that, in Yemen, “we are facing one of the most serious challenges for global security”. Latvian European Affairs Secretary Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica said: “The EU has no other choice than to continue its commitment to support Yemen and its transition process. If Yemen were to become a failed state, this would be a direct threat to the EU, our allies and for the stability of this already badly affected region. The EU can only play a useful role if it works closely with local partners: the countries of the Gulf and Saudi Arabia and with the UN”. “Yemen's very existence is in doubt. The coming weeks and months will be decisive”, she stated.
Because of the security situation, the United States, the United Kingdom and France have decided to close their embassies in Sana'a. The EU delegation to Yemen is continuing to operate but with a reduced staff since June 2014. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)