Clinton says Yemen's cease-fire must be respected

Thursday, June 9, 2011
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) --
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says all sides should honor Yemen's cease-fire so a peaceful change of power can take place.
Clinton, who's traveling in the Persian Gulf region, told reporters that the U.S. was pushing for an "immediate, orderly and peaceful transition" in Yemen.
She said Thursday that she didn't know whether President Ali Abdullah Saleh planned to return. Saleh is being treated in Saudi Arabia after his compound was attacked last week.
The U.S. hopes the government and opposition tribesmen can agree on a way forward. They've fought instead, pushing Yemen toward civil war.
Clinton declined to say how the U.S. was dealing with al-Qaida in Yemen. U.S. officials say the covert campaign against the Yemeni branch of the terrorist group continues.