President receives US President Assistant

SANA'A, Sep. 20 (Saba)- President Ali
Abdullah Saleh received here on Monday the Assistant to the President for
Counterterrorism
and Homeland Security John Brennan who is visiting Yemen currently to consult with
U.S. and Yemeni officials about the bilateral relationship.
During the meeting, they discussed the United States' economic and humanitarian
support for the Yemeni people, which increased to over $110 million dollars in the
last year.
They also consulted on the Friends of Yemen, including its upcoming September 24th
Ministerial meeting in New York, which provides an important forum for the
international
community to support Yemeni economic and governance reforms.
The US official reiterated the United States' support for a comprehensive and
inclusive national dialogue, the upcoming parliamentary elections, the protection
of human
rights, and continued compliance by all sides to the ceasefire in the north of Yemen.
They discussed cooperation against the continuing threat of al-Qaeda, and Mr.
Brennan conveyed the United States' condolences to the Yemeni people for the loss
of Yemeni
security officers and citizens killed in recent al-Qaeda attacks.
Brennan delivered to President Saleh a letter from President Obama discussing these
issues and reiterating the United States' support for a unified, stable, democratic
and
prosperous Yemen.
The President's letter stated "We are also committed to helping Yemen achieve a
future that builds upon the extraordinary talents of its people and the richness of
its history.
Yemen possesses a deeply rooted culture, and is widely admired around the world for
its ancient traditions, beautiful countryside, and hospitable people. I am
convinced
that the people of Yemen can do more than overcome the threats that they face - they
can build a future of greater peace and opportunity for their children." ==/AM