"I urge the Yemeni authorities to demonstrate their commitment to an orderly and peaceful transition"
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt discussed rising violence when he met UN Special Envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar today in London.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Burt said:
“Mr Benomar’s insights into recent developments in Yemen reinforced my deep concern about what is happening. I condemn the actions taken by the security forces that have reportedly caused the death of several protestors and injured many more in Taiz, Sana’a, and cities across Yemen. Mr Benomar and I agreed that all parties should exercise the utmost restraint and take all steps necessary to defuse this situation.
I urge the Yemeni authorities to demonstrate their commitment to an orderly and peaceful transition by respecting the right of peaceful protest and free speech. The rising violence we have witnessed risks undermining the efforts to secure the agreement brokered by the Gulf Co-operation Council. All parties need to come together urgently to confirm their commitment to this”.