'Challenging period’ in Yemen’s political transition

UN chief says ‘challenging period’ in Yemen’s political transition must be overcome

5 February 2015 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged parties to the Peace and National Partnership Agreement in Yemen overcome the current impasse so the peaceful democratic transition that was launched in 2011 can be fulfilled.

Mr. Ban’s letter, which was read today in the capital, Sana’a, by his Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, reminds the party heads of the “tremendous burden and responsibility” they have to steer Yemen through what he described as a “challenging period.”

Stating that the Yemeni people’s aspirations for a democratic State, based on respect for human rights and the rule of law, were captured in the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, Mr. Ban urged leaders to act in the national interest and agree a peaceful way forward that meets their expectations and ensures continuation of the peaceful political transition in the country.

Despite formation of a new Government in November 2014 aimed at ending a period of political turbulence and bringing about a full transition towards democracy, Yemen continues to be plagued by violence and mass political demonstrations.

Just two weeks ago, Mr. Ban voiced serious concern about developments following the abduction by the opposition group Ansarallah of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's chief of staff and the resignation of the President and Prime Minister amid a takeover of the capital by Houthi militants. This followed a steady deterioration the previous week as Government forces clashed with militant groups throughout the capital.

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