Saleh has the right to participate in politics, says US ambassador to Yemen

Ambassador Statement, 19/09/2012

The US ambassador in Yemen Gerlad Feierstien said the Yemeni former President Ali Abdullah Saleh  has the right to keep in politics. In a press conference held late Wednesday in Sanaa Mr Feierstien said that the GCC initiative  did not stipulate that Saleh has to give up politics.

Earlier,  the  ‪US ambassodor to Yemen GERALD M. FEIERSTEIN said that the Marines forces are temporary.

In a statement issued by the embassy on Tuesday Feierstein said " On behalf of our staff and diplomats at the U.S. Embassy, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Yemeni people for their outpouring of support and widespread rejection of the violence  directed against the U.S. embassy in Sana’a on September 13.

Following close consultations between U.S. and Yemeni authorities, a small number of additional security personnel will temporarily assist with security and cleanup efforts at the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a.  Their mission is strictly limited to assisting at our diplomatic facilities and protecting U.S. diplomatic personnel from violence.  The temporary assignment of additional personnel to assist U.S. Missions facing security challenges is normal.  The group is assigned on a short-term basis in close consultation with the host government and operates in accordance with international law.  The decision to utilize this small group was made after close consultations and coordination between U.S. and Yemeni authorities.

We not only remain steadfast in our commitment to assisting the Yemeni people, but also to the enduring friendship that has developed between our two countries and our two peoples. Together, we will continue to build on the foundation laid by those who have sacrificed so much for a peaceful political transition and a more secure, democratic, and prosperous Yemen in the future.