Gulf, western countries urge Yemeni parties to hold violence-free elections

SANAA, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Ambassadors from the Arab Gulf countries and western nations called Monday on all parties in Yemen to join hands to bring about successful and violence-free early presidential elections.

The Ambassadors of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC), and the European Union (EU) voiced full commitment to the success of the peaceful political transition in Yemen in compliance with the GCC initiative, signed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh and opposition last November.

The Ambassadors, in a joint statement, said the February 21 presidential elections were "an important step" and all parties should contribute to their success.

They hoped political parties, military authorities, tribes, NGOs and civil service societies contribute to improving the security conditions, protecting of civilians and infrastructure, respecting of human rights and achieving national conciliation.

Around 10 million voters are set to head to polling stations tomorrow to elect vice-president Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi as the interim president. All parties have agreed to name Hadi as their candidate.