Friends of Yemen sixth meeting kicks off in New York

The 6th ministerial meeting of the Friends of Yemen group held on Wednesday in New York with a high-level participation of 37 countries and regional and international donor organizations. The meeting discussed three key themes, which are political, economic and security. The political theme dealt with the latest developments on the implementation of the Gulf initiative, particularly the progress made in the National Dialogue Conference (NDC), and the ongoing preparations for the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held early in 2014. The discussions in the economic theme were dedicated to assess the implementation level of the funds pledged to Yemen by donors in Riyadh and New York meetings, which were held in 2012, in addition to the progress made in the implementation of economic reforms approved in the mutual accountability framework. Concerning security field, the meeting focused on the progresses made in the restructuring of the armed and security forces, underway efforts in the fight against terrorism and restore security and stability, as well as judicial reforms and strengthening the judicial independence. In his speech, Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, who heads the Yemeni delegation at the meeting, said that the critical stage the NDC is going through now has prevented President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi from taking part in the meeting, which he was keen to attend. He conveyed the President's thanks to the Saudi Arabia and the British Foreign Office for their preparation, coordination and participation in the meeting, as well as to all participants. "Your participation in this meeting reflects your commitment as friends to Yemen to support the process of change," al-Qirbi said. Despite the changes engulfed the region, the worst of which is in Syria, Yemen's friends have held successive meetings in London, Riyadh and New York over the past four years, showing their determination to stand by the Yemeni people and its political leadership to ensure the success of the Gulf initiative through supporting the national dialogue, he said. He pointed to the Yemeni experience that was based on a distinctive democratic process of holding a national dialogue involving all political and social classes of the society. He added that women were represents by 30%, youths by 20% of the NDC's participants, along with the representation of civil society organizations and independent and marginalized groups. He stressed the need to continued support for the dialogue from the international community, topped by the Security Council and the ten sponsoring countries. "We hope that the Yemen's Friends positions are clear in rejecting any foreign interference in the Yemeni affairs, whether politically or financially, and condemning and punishing all those who seek to obstruct the peaceful solution or steer Yemen toward violence." The Minister expressed confidence that the Friends of Yemen aware of the political, economic and security challenges faced by the country, hoping that their understanding to be reflected in continuing donor countries and organizations' support for Yemen to address them. He underscored the importance of accelerating the allocation of donors' pledges in order to help financing projects designed to improve the citizens' conditions in all walks of life, create jobs and reduce poverty.