EU expresses optimism over President last speech

Saba
BRUSSELS, Feb. 03 (Saba) – High representative for Foreign and Security Policy in the European Union (EU) Catherine Ashton expressed on Thursday her optimism over the speech of President Ali Abdullah Saleh before the members of Parliament and Shura councils.During her meeting with Foreign Minister Abu Baker al-Qirbi, Ashton talked about the importance of the issues Saleh addressed in the meeting, tackling the political and economic situation, valuing the keenness of the president on Yemen’s unity and stability.She stressed the importance of responding to the President’s call for dialogue to handle the current political crisis and reach a national consensus maintaining the security and enhancing the development in Yemen.She also renewed the EU’s commitment to support Yemen bilaterally and through the Yemen’s Friends Group, accenting the EU’s willingness to participate effectively in the Group’s meeting in Riyadh to tackle inclusively the challenges face Yemen.In return, al-Qirbi briefed on the entire situation and reforms the government has carried out in various sectors and the results of the political dialogue.Al-Qirbi and Ashton also discussed the preparations for the upcoming meeting of Yemen Friends in Riyadh and its agenda.MB/AF