EU hails outcome of national dialogue in Yemen as historic achievement

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Saturday "warmly congratulated" the people of Yemen on the successful conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference. "I commend the work and determination of the delegates to the Conference, under the leadership of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, for making this possible. This process, which brought together representatives of different political parties and various strands of society, is a unique and historic achievement," she said in a statement. "It has brought Yemen closer to democracy and to the aspirations of its people for a more secure and prosperous future. The National Dialogue has been able to overcome serious challenges," noted the EU foreign policy chief. Ashton stated that the conclusion of the National Dialogue "opens a new, extremely challenging phase that should lead to a new Constitution and to fully transparent and credible elections." "The perseverance and collaborative spirit of all stakeholders and a climate of security and inclusiveness will be essential to the success of this transition," she added.