Yemen was on flux between war and peace and chose peace, UK Ambassador

By Majid al-Kibsi Yemen Observer The Gulf Cooperation Countries initiative is the only gate to the participation of other political forces, said the United Kingdom Ambassador to Yemen. UK outgoing ambassador Jonathan Wilks stressed the role of UK to encourage development in Yemen in a reception organized by the British Council in Yemen on the occasion of ending his diplomatic term in Yemen. “Yemen was on a cross section between war and peace, Thanks to Allah, Yemen chose peace and in last week we have done the first step, and we saw many improvements in the political and security aspects,” said Wilks. According to Wilks, Britain has warned 5 years ago that the economic situation will affect the security and political aspects in Yemen, expressing regrets that the regime did not make necessary reforms in that regard, which escalated the crisis. Wilks also mentioned during the reception that he was in a meeting with Vice president Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Moreover, Wilks and the Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basindwa discussed on Tuesday the economic and development aid required to assist the country to overcome the crisis repercussions. The British ambassador asserted that his country would continue his positive role supporting the security, stability and development of Yemen. Wilks pointed to the importance of Yemeni participation in the international conference on Somalia to be hosted by Britain on February 23 next year, saying Yemen is a real partner and has positive role in this regard. The United Kingdom has appointed Nicholas Hopton, to succeeded Mr. Jonathan Wilks as the Kingdom’s new Ambassador to Yemen.