Foreign Secretary welcomes successful Yemeni election
Foreign Secretary William Hague: "Yemeni people made clear there is no place for violence in Yemen’s democratic future"
Speaking after the Yemeni Presidential election, the Foreign Secretary said:
“I welcome yesterday’s Presidential election in Yemen. Indications of a high turnout, including many women, is testament to the government’s commitment to transition. I commend the courage of the voters who turned out to endorse the candidacy of Acting President Hadi and a process of peaceful transition. There were some attempts to disrupt the election. But the Yemeni people rejected these at the ballot box and made clear that there is no place for violence in Yemen’s democratic future.
“This is a significant moment in implementing all aspects of the Gulf Cooperation Council-brokered plan for political change. There is much to be done, but the Yemeni people can now look forward to the second phase of transition, which promises a Conference of National Dialogue, constitutional reform and a chance for the youth to voice political aspirations ahead of full parliamentary and presidential elections in 2014. Now is the time for all Yemenis to unite to shape a new future for their country and for the international community to intensify its engagement. The UK is committed to doing so”