FCO Minister welcomes approval of candidacy for interim President in Yemen
Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, says an important milestone has been reached today in Yemen's political transition process.
Speaking today, the Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt said:
“I welcome news that an important milestone has been reached today in Yemen’s political transition process, namely the approval by the Yemeni parliament of the candidacy of Vice President Hadi for interim President. I also welcome the clear commitment to discuss legislation on national reconciliation and transitional justice.
“Confirmation of Vice President Hadi’s candidacy gives a clear sign of the Yemeni government’s intent to implement the terms of the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and pursue political transition in Yemen. Yemenis now have an opportunity to show their support for political change and vote for an interim President on 21 February to lead a truly inclusive political transition process towards full Presidential election in 2014.
“I call on Vice President Hadi and the new National Unity Government to ensure the necessary security and logistical arrangements are in place for elections on 21 February to enable voters to express their basic democratic freedoms. The UK government is committed to supporting the political transition process in Yemen and the Department for International Development (DFID) has committed £1.6m (US$2.3m) to the UN Development programme to support these elections.”