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Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle: political process in Yemen must continue
This morning Foreign Minister Westerwelle had talks with Mansour Hadi, the President of Yemen. Westerwelle then went on to attend a meeting of the Friends of Yemen group held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly at Hotel Intercontinental. Following his talks with the Yemeni President Westerwelle commented as follows:
Germany supports the first tentative signs of a return to political stability in Yemen under President Hadi’s leadership. This is of the utmost importance for regional security as well as for our own security. The situation in this strategically important country at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula must not be allowed to descend into lawlessness, with government authority collapsing and Al Qaida terrorists enjoying free rein.
Germany is a long-standing close partner of Yemen and feels a duty now to help the country build a better future. That’s why we’re one of the country’s biggest donors, providing it with 120 million euros in development aid both this and last year.
Although Yemen’s long-term political stability is not yet assured, we’re seeing first steps in the right direction. The political process that has just started must continue. The planned national dialogue must involve all relevant groups in the country.
