Yemen: we evacuate, we close (update)
(BRUSSELS2) In Yemen, faced with the deterioration of the situation, all the European States (from the EU like the others, Russia in particular) have asked their nationals still present to leave the country “immediately”. And the European Union's Emergency Evacuation Mechanism (MIC) has been activated, as High Representative Catherine Ashton said in a statement released on Friday. The crisis cell of the European diplomatic service is also on the bridge.
(Update) It should be noted that the States had already beaten the recall of their nationals at the end of February or the beginning of March. It is a question, here, of evacuating the last nationals still on the spot - there remain approximately 200-250 gathered in the capital - even the last diplomats. A military means could be mobilized, if necessary, if the situation requires it. But, for now, according to the latest information, Sanaa airport still receives civilian planes. The activation of the MIC, however, allows Member States who so wish to see their evacuation operations financed at 50% by the European Union.
Several countries – such as Germany or the Netherlands on Saturday – have also announced their decision to close “ temporarily » their embassy in Sanaa and to repatriate their last diplomats from Yemen. The EU is represented in Sanaa by its delegation and seven countries have a representation there (Germany, Bulgaria, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom; nb: the Czech Republic having closed its embassy). Most countries had already reduced their numbers to the strict minimum after the violence escalated in late May and President Saleh refused to leave power.
This is the fifth time in a few months (after Egypt, Japan, Ivory Coast and Libya) that the order for the emergency evacuation of European citizens has been given.
