Secretary Clinton Condemns Actions in Yemen

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 State

Washington, DC

May 22, 2011

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The 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.

Secretary Clinton's Statement on Yemen National Day

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 on Tuesday urged Yemen to step up cooperation with the United States as she made an unannounced visit here to shore up and repair damaged ties with a fragile and problematic ally that is fast becoming the main focus of American counter terrorism efforts. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)

Yemen National Day

Press Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

May 21, 2011

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On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Yemen on your 21st National Unity Day this May 22.

This is a special occasion to celebrate with family and friends to honor your rich history, but it is also marred by these trying times. Throughout the country Yemeni voices have been suppressed and innocent civilians have died.

President Saleh needs to follow through on his commitment to transfer power. The government of Yemen must address the legitimate will of the people.

The United States will continue to support the Yemeni people as you work toward a unified, stable, democratic, and prosperous Yemen. We continue to call for a peaceful transition of power so that the citizens of Yemen may one day realize your aspirations.

Our two nations have shared a strong friendship for many years based on mutual respect and mutual interests. On this national day, know that the United States continues to be a partner and friend to all those who strive for a better future for Yemen.

Secretary Clinton's Remarks With Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh After Their Meeting **Updated with Video**

Remarks With Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh After Their Meeting

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Sana'a, Yemen

January 11, 2011

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SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first let me thank, on behalf of my entire delegation, the president for his very warm hospitality today. As I told the president, we are committed to a broad relationship between our two countries. We face a common threat posed by the terrorists and al-Qaida, but our partnership goes beyond counterterrorism. We are focused not just on short-term threats, but long-term challenges. Yemen has announced a number of reforms that we in the international community look forward to supporting in the economic, social, and political sectors. We support an inclusive political process that will, in turn, support a unified, prosperous, stable, democratic Yemen.

And above all, the United States is committed to the people of Yemen, Mr. President. We want this to be a relationship not just between leaders and governments, but between the people of Yemen and the people of the United States of America. Thank you again, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT SALEH: Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, sir.