Brussels, 23/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 20 March, the European Union condemned the violence in Yemen, including the bombings against several mosques in Sana'a during Friday prayer, and it called for peaceful negotiations.
These attacks, as well as the fighting in Aden and the previous day's aerial attack on the compound of Yemen's President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi “clearly aim at derailing further Yemen's transition process”, said the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. European Parliament President Martin Schulz described the attacks as “heinous”, saying that targeting mosques “added insult to injury”. At least 140 people were killed and over 350 wounded in the attacks, which have been claimed by Islamic State.
Mogherini's spokesperson also condemned the killing of journalist Abdulkarim al Khaiwani, “whose role in the national dialogue conference and in the defence of human rights had set a positive example in recent years”. His murder “was also a stark reminder of the urgent need for all Yemeni parties to work to restore the conditions for the free public expression of opinions, including by ensuring the independence of the media from political interference”, the spokesperson added.
EU calls for violence to stop. The EU urged all parties to return to dialogue and inclusive negotiations, in particular those conducted by the United Nations. As part of this, Mogherini's spokesperson reiterated that the release of Yemen's Prime Minister Bahah and of other members of his government was a step in the right direction. In the spokesperson's view, “only a broad political consensus through peaceful negotiations in an atmosphere free of fear amongst the main political groups can provide a sustainable solution to the current crisis and preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen”. The EU stated that it would continue to work with all regional players to support current efforts constructively to reach an inclusive political settlement. “The EU stands by the Yemeni people at this critical juncture”, and thus reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting Yemen in its transition.
“All parties should refrain from unilateral acts that could further entrench positions and escalate an already very fragile and polarised situation”, said Mogherini's spokesperson. “They should unequivocally reject violence and coercion as political tools”, the spokesperson added.
In a unanimous statement published on Sunday 22 March, the UN Security Council reiterated its support for President Hadi in his struggle against the Shi'ite Houthi militia, and once again threatened sanctions. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)