Dutch embassy closed in Yemen

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has decided to temporarily close the Dutch embassy in Sanaa. The staff posted from The Hague have already left Yemen, said the minister in a statement.
"The situation in Yemen is unpredictable at the moment," he noted.
"The ongoing political tensions and the risk of violence flaring up again have led me to temporarily close the embassy in Sanaa. I regret having to take this step," he said.
"The Netherlands and Yemen have maintained good relations for many years, but my responsibility for the safety of our people at the mission was the deciding factor. It's impossible to say right now how long this situation will continue. We want to return to Yemen as soon as possible, and I hope the situation there stabilises soon," said Koenders.
The Netherlands is an important partner for Yemen in development cooperation. It provides support in the areas of security and justice, water, and health.
The Netherlands will continue to monitor developments in Yemen closely and is in direct contact with other countries, both bilaterally and within the EU, on the matter, he added.