Iranian Foreign Ministry Calls to Dialogue

Iranian Foreign Ministry Calls to Dialogue

Sana'a- Feb 22, 2011- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has voiced regret over the death and injury of many people in Yemen during pro-democracy protests.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always reiterated the necessity of talks,” a Foreign Ministry official said on Tuesday, according to a statement by the ministry.

The official also urged the Yemeni government to stop violence against the protesters and consider their “legitimate rights.”

The Yemeni government crackdown on demonstrations has killed at least 12 people so far.

On Tuesday, at least five people were injured in fresh clashes in the capital Sana'a after supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh attacked student protesters who have been camping at Sana'a University campus urging the president to resign.

Yemenis, inspired by revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, took to the streets of the capital on February 12 to bring down the 32-year autocratic rule of Saleh.

The president, however, has vowed not to abandon power under pressure.

Source: AGB/AKM/MGH