Violence against Peaceful Demonstrations

PRESS RELEASES

Sana'a March 12, 2011

The Embassy is dismayed by reports of deaths and injuries at demonstrations in Sana'a, Aden, Taiz, and Mukulla in the past week. The U.S. Government is strongly on record as defending the rights of citizens to demonstrate peacefully. We urge the Yemeni government to investigate these incidents and take all necessary steps to protect the rights of all Yemeni citizens, in accordance with President's Saleh's commitments.

The Embassy also rejects any allegation that the U.S. Government has somehow condoned the use of violence by any side. Our position has been clear that the only solution to the current political impasse is for all concerned parties to engage in a process of negotiation and dialogue. As the White House said in its statement of March 11, we call for a commitment by all sides to participate in an open and transparent process that addresses the legitimate concerns of the Yemeni people and provides an orderly path to a stronger and more prosperous nation. We believe that this is the single best approach to advance the interests of the Yemeni people.