British FCO condemns Yemeni violence

The British foreign office has condemned yesterday’s violence in Yemen. “The UK calls on all sides to disengage forces immediately and avoid escalation.  We strongly support continuing negotiations for a peaceful settlement to the crisis.  It is vital that all sides show the necessary determination to bring these negotiations to a rapid, successful conclusion,” the foreign office said in a statement. At least 26 protesters were killed in Saana yesterday after Yemeni government forces opened fire on a crowd with anti-aircraft guns and automatic weapons. A further 20 protesters have been killed by government forces today. Washington's envoy to the Human Rights Council, Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, has also criticised the incidents. The US is concerned at "increasingly disturbing reports about violence", she said. Donahoe urged the government to rein in the security forces responsible.