Ban receives Karman to discuss Yemeni situation

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Wednesday paid tribute to Yemeni 2011 Nobel Peace Laueate Tawakkul Karman for her efforts to promote, peace, justice and human rights for all in Yemen.Ban congratulated the young activist during a meeting in his office on her award and appreciated hearing her views about the current situation in Yemen and shared her concern that the protracted political stalemate in her country had led to a deterioration of the economic and humanitarian situation as well as an escalation of violence causing great suffering for the Yemeni people.He reassured his guest that the United Nations was doing everything possible to help the Yemeni people resolve the current political standoff and to promote an orderly, inclusive and Yemeni-led transition process.He emphasized that the United Nations shared her views and had a "clear stance against impunity for gross human rights violations." Karman led a rally in front of the UN late Tuesday and told reporters she was opposed to the GCC initiative, "especially because it gives immunity to (Yemeni President) Saleh and his family," and warned the international community not to be "trapped" in Saleh's scheme.