Pretty nervy! Guess he was not pleased with her National Day message. This kind of action against diplomats is unacceptable.
- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, right, listens to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, as she speaks during a media conference in Sanaa, Yemen, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. Clinton urged Yemen to step up cooperation with the United States as she made an unannounced visit to shore up and repair damaged ties with a fragile and problematic ally that is fast becoming the main focus of American counterterrorism efforts. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
Ongoing Situation in Yemen
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCMay 22, 2011The United States is deeply disappointed by President Saleh’s continued refusal to sign the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative. He is turning his back on his commitments and disregarding the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people.
The concerted efforts of the international community, led by the GCC, have been tireless and all sides have agreed -- on multiple occasions -- to sign the GCC initiative. President Saleh is now the only party that refuses to match actions to words. We urge him to immediately follow through on his repeated commitments to peacefully and orderly transfer power and ensure the legitimate will of the Yemeni people is addressed. The time for action is now.
We are also outraged to learn that earlier today factions loyal to President Saleh encircled the UAE embassy in Sana’a. They refused to allow U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein, ambassadors from the United Kingdom the European Union and GCC states, the GCC Secretary General and other foreign diplomats to leave the embassy. We condemn this action and call on President Saleh to meet his international obligations to ensure the safety and security of all foreign diplomats and their staffs working in Yemen.
