EU again calls on President Saleh to step down

(BRUSSELS2) The European Union has - through its High Representative Cathy Ashton - expressed its "strong concern by climbing of the violence in Yemen over the past week. She has " condemns in the strongest terms the attacks on peaceful protesters, and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unrest. » The EU once again calls on President Saleh to " honor its commitment to transfer power and sign the GCC initiative (the Gulf Cooperation Council) which acts as the mediator of the international community in Yemen. The EU asks the formation of an impartial investigation into those responsible for the violence »

The European Commission has also decided to increase its humanitarian aid by 5 million euros to meet ever-increasing needs. This emergency payment follows a " in-depth assessment carried out on the ground by ECHO experts in August”. The mission had identified a “ growing need for food assistance for the conflict-affected population in southern Yemen as well as those affected by drought, which has increased food insecurity and malnutrition in parts of the country ».