New visa plan for Yemeni passengers at UK airports

July 14, 2011

All Yemeni citizens travelling through the UK on long-haul flights will need a visa, even if they are in transit, it has been announced.

Home Secretary Theresa May said Yemen was of "real and pressing concern to the international community".

From Thursday, Yemeni citizens need a visa before travelling to the UK, even if they are in transit and planning to arrive and leave from the same airport.

On Monday, the UK terror threat level reduced from "severe" to "substantial".

Mrs May said that since the introduction of the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) regime, a number of countries had been added to a list of those requiring clearance.

'Pressing concern'

"This has been done in response to emerging counter-terrorism threats to the UK," she said.

"Recent events have highlighted Yemen as being of real and pressing concern to the international community.

"We feel that imposing a DATV regime on those Yemeni citizens who are travelling through the UK is a sensible and proportionate response to the threat."

The Detroit bomber, who tried to blow up an aeroplane on Christmas Day 2009, was trained in Yemen, Mrs May said.

And bombs disguised as toner cartridges which were found on board planes at East Midlands airport and in Dubai last October were also sent from Yemen, she added.

Mrs May this week reduced the terror threat level for the UK.

The new alert level meant the risk of a terrorist attack was considered to be a "strong possibility" and "might well occur without further warning"," she said.

"The change in the threat level does not mean that the overall threat has gone away," added Mrs May.

"There is still a real and serious threat to the UK and I would ask the public to remain ever vigilant."

Saudi seeking arms amid growing fears: analysts

By Assad Abboud (AFP)

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's hunger for weapons, initially aimed at staving off the threat of Iran, has grown with the upcoming US withdrawal from Iraq and instability in Yemen and Bahrain, analysts say.

"Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries in general realise that they must rely on themselves to defend themselves during this critical period marked by the beginning of a US withdrawal from Iraq," said Anwar Eshki, director of the Middle East Institute for Strategic Studies.

About 46,000 US troops remain in Iraq and are due to leave by December 31 under an agreement with Baghdad, although US officials have said they may keep some there after the deadline if requested by Iraqi authorities.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has traditionally bought US and British arms, but it showed no hesitation in contacting a new supplier, Berlin, with which it is negotiating the purchase of 200 Leopard tanks, according to reports in Germany.

The order is worth some two billions euros ($2.8 billion), German magazine Der Spiegel said on its website.

"The kingdom is looking for weapons in Germany and even in Russia, knowing that with the vacuum left by the Americans in Iraq, Iran might begin to extend its influence to the Levant reaching out to the Mediterranean sea," said Eshki.

"Gulf countries need to feel capable of facing any threat from Iran or Iraq, as Kuwait and Bahrain are Saudi Arabia's last lines of defence," said the Jeddah-based researcher.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, whose country sent about 1,000 troops to Bahrain, freeing up local security forces to crush a month-long uprising, recently reiterated Riyadh's rejection of "foreign adventures" in Bahrain, in a reference to Iran.

"Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have strategy to maintain their security," Faisal said on July 5.

"If Iran wants to play a key role as a regional power, it must take into account the interests of neighbouring countries and not just its own," the minister said.

Relations between the Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab states and non-Arab, predominantly Shiite Iran were strained following the March crackdown on Shiite-led protests in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia, a key player in Middle East politics, is also facing threats from neighbouring Yemen.

Yemen has since January been gripped by protests calling for the ouster of its long-time president, and also must contend with the threat of Al-Qaeda militants.

"Saudi Arabia is facing new threats in Yemen, (and) Iran's nuclear programme," said Theodore Karasik, the director for research and development at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis.

"This programme raises fears due to its unclear nature. It represents a threat to Saudis especially within the perspective of American withdrawal from Iraq and the events in Syria and Lebanon," he said.

Western nations accuse Iran of seeking to develop an nuclear bomb under the guise of an energy programme. Tehran vehemently denies the charges.

The United Nations has already slapped a wide range of sanctions on the Islamic republic over its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment programme.

"Iran's war games also do not reassure the Saudis, who are paying attention to Iran's behaviour in the shadow of its ballistic missiles weapons," said Karasik.

Saudi Arabia's "foreign policy is more aggressive; it is not like before anymore -- it is more assertive," he added.

The Saudis are diversifying their weapons suppliers, but remain major customers for US weapons.

"Saudi Arabia's pre-eminent security partner for external and internal defence remains the US, and this is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future," says London-based Gulf region analyst Neil Partrick.

Saudi Arabia and the United States are holding negotiations on the final details of a massive arms deal.

The United States said in November that the $60 billion deal would take effect despite initial worries from US lawmakers over its impact on Israeli security.

The Pentagon unveiled plans on October 20 last year for the sale to Saudi Arabia of 84 F-15 fighter jets, 70 Apache attack helicopters, 72 tactical Black Hawk helicopters and 36 light helicopters, as well as upgrades for 70 F-15s.

The delivery of the weapons to the kingdom, thought to be the largest single US arms sale ever, would be spread across 15 to 20 years.

"However, potentially widening the arc of suppliers, and even possibly advisers, fits a general trend seen for sometime in Saudi Arabia and in other GCC states who want to ensure a broad range of diplomatic and possibly security supporters on the international stage," said Partrick.

Saleh to return to Yemen Sunday, party official says

July 13, 2011

Sanaa, Yemen (CNN) -- President Ali Abdullah Saleh will return to his country Sunday, a homecoming that also marks the 33rd anniversary of his rule, a senior ruling party official said Wednesday.

Zaid Thari, a political advisor for Saleh's ruling General People Congress Party, said the president's health is improving quickly and that Yemenis will celebrate his return.

"The Yemeni government all along insisted that Saleh's health situation was not major," Thari said.

Saleh has been undergoing medical treatment in Saudi Arabia following a June 3 attack on the presidential compound that left him severely burned.

But even during his treatments -- which included eight surgeries -- Saleh was under pressure to embrace a political transition plan developed by the Gulf Cooperation Council that included plans for him to step down, following months of widening anti-government protests and sentiment in his country.

Thari said a massive celebration is being planned for the president's homecoming, and that Saleh will decide upon his return "what is best for Yemen and the ruling party."

Officials in Sanaa have rejected calls for Saleh to leave office, saying that no power has the authority to force Saleh to step down.

"No one will lead the ruling party, only Saleh. He is the constitutional president and unless he steps down willingly, the Yemeni people will support him to the last man," said Abdu al-Ganadi, the government's spokesman.

John Brennan, U.S. President Barack Obama's top counterterrorism adviser, visited Saleh in Saudi Arabia Sunday. Brennan wished the Yemeni president "a speedy recovery" but also "emphasized the importance of resolving the political crisis in Sanaa," the White House said in a statement on the meeting. He urged Saleh to sign the Gulf Cooperation Council's political transition plan.

Saleh has voiced agreement with the plan, which would ensure his gradual departure from office, but he has not signed it. Saleh told Brennan that the GCC initiative laid the groundwork for exiting the political crisis through national dialogue involving all political parties, Yemen's state-run Saba news agency reported.

Ahmed Bahri, head of the political department at the opposition Haq party, said the United States was not doing enough and that they are forcing the people of Yemen to use force in order to have their demands met. "The Yemeni revolution vowed to stay peaceful, but now is the time to review that stance. The use of force might be needed to oust the Saleh regime from power," said Bahri.

Pro-democracy activists said that if Saleh is allowed to come back to Yemen, it would reveal the amount of hatred the United States and Saudi Arabia have for the youth revolutionists. "The United States always said they supported the youth in Yemen, but we are coming to know that that is not true," said Waseen Qirshi, the spokesman for the revolution youth organizing committee.

Yemen security: 5 militants killed in airstrike

By AHMED AL-HAJ, Associated Press
July 12, 2011

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — A Yemeni security official says a government airstrike has killed five militants in an area overrun by Islamist radicals.

The strike hit a checkpoint run by militants between the southern towns of Zinjibar and Jaar late Monday. Militants believed to be close to al-Qaida have seized control of both towns in recent months.

Security across Yemen has broken down amid a five-month uprising seeking to oust longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The United States worries that al-Qaida could exploit chaos in Yemen to increase operations there.

The security official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Visit of John Brennan to Yemen

PRESS RELEASES

Sana'a, July 12, 2011

U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan visited Sana'a on July 11-12 to consult with U.S. and Yemeni officials about the bilateral relationship. On July 11, he met with Yemeni government officials including Vice President Abdo Rabu Mansoor Hadi and Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi, as well as military officials and U.S. Embassy officials. On July 12, he met with a group of civil society leaders, in addition to GPC leaders and JMP leaders.

In his meetings, John Brennan reiterated the U.S. position that it is essential for all parties to participate in a peaceful political process in order to address the urgent needs of the Yemeni people for improved social, economic and security conditions, and to immediately implement a transition that serves the aspirations of the Yemeni people.

30 protesters injured in clashes with gov't supporters in Yemen

SANAA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of protesters went to streets across Yemen on Sunday in response to a call by the opposition to press the ouster of Yemeni president's sons and aides, leaving at least 30 protesters injured during clashes with government supporters, witnesses said.

"At least 10 protesters were injured by gunshots and up to 20 others were stabbed by daggers and they were hospitalized as clashes were still going on in Al-Hodayda, the western Red Sea port province," the witnesses said.

The clashes erupted after hundreds of government backers wielding firearms and daggers intercepted a march of thousands of anti-government protesters demanding the ouster of sons and aides of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is being treated in the Saudi capital, the witnesses said.

Police forces were trying to disperse both sides to prevent further casualties, the witnesses added.

Another thousands of protesters marched in the capital Sanaa on Sunday, demanding the departure of Saleh's sons and aides who occupy higher military and security positions.

The protesters held banners reading "Saudis and Americans keep out of Yemeni affairs" as they rejected any dialogue or formation of national unity government with Saleh's ruling party, requiring the immediate formation of a transitional ruling council during post-Saleh era.

A security official told Xinhua that there is no casualty in Sanaa.

The protest marches came in response to the opposition Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), which called the protesters to step up marches and demands for ousting what it said as "the remnants of Saleh's regime." The JMP accused the Saleh government members of " kidnapping the power and committing more crimes."

The opposition's step came simultaneously with a fresh initiative announced by acting President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi for launching a conciliation dialogue with the JMP leaders and forming a joint unity government headed by the opposition in order to end the prolonged political standoff.

US envoy in Yemen to push for power transfer

By AHMED AL-HAJ

July 11, 2011

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — The White House counterterrorism chief briefed Yemen's vice president Monday on Washington's push for a swift transfer of power in the increasingly unstable nation, rattled by five months of anti-government protests and a growing threat from al-Qaida, a government official said.

John Brennan met with Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in a bid to revive a power transfer deal proposed by Yemen's neighbors. Hadi has headed the government since embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh left for neighboring Saudi Arabia to be treated for wounds he suffered in a June 3 attack on his compound in Sanaa, Yemen's capital.

Brennan's meeting with Hadi follows talks with Saleh in a Saudi Arabia hospital a day earlier. Brennan asked Saleh on Sunday to "expeditiously" agree to the transition deal which would have him transfer power to the vice president and step down, in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

It was the strongest and most public sign yet of U.S. pressure on Saleh to accept the deal, brokered by Gulf Arab countries led by staunch U.S. ally Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, Brennan briefed Hadi on the details of his meeting with Saleh, said the Yemeni government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Saleh, who has held on to power for over three decades, has balked at signing the deal to step down. A Yemeni government statement said he told his American visitor that any transfer of power must be carried out in a democratic framework and under the guidance of the constitution, suggesting a gradual process he wants to oversee. The statement said Saleh views the proposal as a "basis" for a national dialogue, language that suggests the Yemeni leader has not agreed to adopt the document.

Brennan urged Saleh to sign the transfer agreement quickly and that "assistance will flow to Yemen" when the deal is carried out, the White House said in a statement.

"The United States believes that a transition in Yemen should begin immediately so that the Yemeni people can realize their aspirations," the White House said.

Brennan told Saleh that resolving the political crisis in his country is important so that the nation can face its serious challenges, "including the terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, which have claimed the lives of hundreds of Yemeni citizens," the statement said.

Brennan is expected to meet with Yemeni opposition groups during his visit.

Hadi briefed Brennan on his previous meeting with the opposition groups regarding the transition plan, which envisions presidential elections two months after the initial handover of power.

A member of the opposition said Monday that a proposed amendment to the transition plan, presented by Hadi, has been rejected because it was seen as an attempt to bypass the proposal. Abdullah Obal said the proposed amendment extended the transition period beyond the originally suggested period of two months.

The proposal has been outright rejected by anti-government protesters who have staged massive demonstrations across the nation since February to force Saleh out of office. They insist that Saleh must step down immediately and unconditionally.

Sunday's meeting took place against the backdrop of a rising threat by al-Qaida-linked militants in the nearly lawless south of the country. The militants have taken advantage of the turmoil of the uprising against Saleh to flex their muscles, capturing and holding territory in areas of the south, including a provincial capital close to the strategic port city of Aden on the Arabian Sea.

Brennan's visit also appeared to reflect Washington's concerns about the growing strength of Islamic militants in Yemen, which is close to the Gulf's vast oil fields and strategic shipping lanes in the Arabian and Red seas. U.S. officials say Washington has increased its security presence and operations in Yemen amid the turmoil.