EU PLAYS DOWN AL QAEDA IN YEMEN

STRASBOURG, Jan. 25 (Saba) - Al Qaeda in Yemen is an accidental
matter that basically comes as a result of Yemen's economic,
political and security problems, currently drawing the world's
attention, a senior EU official has said, urging Yemen to exert more
efforts in the best interest of its people.

The remarks of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European
Union for Common and Foreign Security Policy and Vice-President of
the European Commission, followed EU statements that the bloc was
considering raising its aid to Yemen by 33 percent over 2011-2013.

Ashton said Britain's call for a Yemen summit scheduled for later
this week came on time and would provide a good opportunity to
engage Saudi Arabia, the U.S. and other countries to discuss Yemen
and how to help the country.

Yemen's security would be high on the agenda and preparations got
underway for a package of related aid including intensified training
for Yemeni forces and providing them with necessary equipment as
well as supporting the government's efforts to improve laws to
confront extremism and tackle conflicts, she said.

But any aid to Yemen can't replace the Yemeni government's
commitment to assume its responsibilities, she said, urging donors
to continue providing further aid to Yemen.

We have become aware why Yemen is now on our agenda…..that is after
the botched attack on a U.S.-bound passenger jet on Christmas Day,
hence, our nations are in danger unless we support a country like
Yemen, said Ashton in an EP sitting on Sunday.

It is true that terrorism is the present concern of Yemen but it is
also true that Yemen is suffering from other major problems
including rebellion in the far north, revolt in the south, maritime
piracy and population growth, she said.

'Yemen has already done its best to keep stability in general and
this must be hailed. But with the sharp decline in oil revenues the
country is struggling to keep control of parts on its soil.'

She concluded that the EU has put Yemen as a priority over the next
18 months in regard of fighting terror and has already adopted a
comprehensive development strategy to help Yemen.

FR