German calls Saleh to step aside
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called on President Saleh to face up to his responsibilities and, “without any more maneuverings, clear the path for a fresh start in Yemeni politics”.
“Yemen must not be allowed to descend into chaos,” Westerwelle continued, explaining that such a scenario would have dire consequences not only for Yemen itself. Since the events of January 2011, a protest movement has formed among Yemen’s civil society, calling for democratic reforms and the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Demonstrations have been taking place throughout the country, some of them violently suppressed by the security forces. The situation is extremely tense, with severe armed clashes recurring frequently as forces loyal to the regime fight the opposition for power in Yemen. A great many civilians have already been killed, and many others injured.
Foreign Minister Westerwelle has repeatedly appealed to the parties involved to refrain from violence and determine the country’s future by engaging in reform and broad based dialogue within society. He has also called on President Saleh to “agree to a peaceful transition” and to accept the Gulf Cooperation Council’s offer of mediation.
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