France welcomes launching National Dialogue in Yemen

France on Monday welcomed the opening of the National Dialogue Conference, kicked off today morning in Sana'a. "The putting in place of this peaceful and democratic process is a courageous decision for the authorities and all Yemenis," the French Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot said in a press release issued today. Since the peace initiative brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) in late 2011, "numerous advances have been accomplished, with the election of the new president and the cessation of violence," the press release read. France called on all components of Yemeni society to take part in the national dialogue "in order for their voices can be heard." It hoped that this dialogue would build the foundations of a new constitution and provide a framework for the future elections. "France has full confidence in the national dialogue and its ability to help with the construction of a stable and prosperous Yemen that respects the rule of law," according to the press release.