EU DIPLOMAT : EU COMMITTED TO SUPPORT YEMEN'S UNITY, STABILITY

SANA'A, Dec.14 (Saba) - The European Union(EU)'s newly appointed
ambassador to Yemen Michele Cervone said on Monday that the EU would
remain strongly committed to support democracy in Yemen in a
unified, stable and prosperous Yemen.

Speaking to Saba, the EU diplomat added that the EU is committed to
enhance its relations with Yemen in all areas and follow a
comprehensive method to deal with all challenges and support the
Yemen government.

He indicated that the EU has raised its aid to Yemen to reach € 55
million in 2009, noting that the EU is the first WTO member that
ended its bilateral negotiations with Yemen for WTO accession.

Yemen is one of the most important partners for the EU in field of
humanitarian aid and civil society support, Cervone pointed
indicating that the EU is working to strengthen its cooperation with
Yemen in areas of assisting refugees and migration, regional
maritime security and combating terror.

He said "I will do my best efforts to strengthen the partnership
between the EU and Yemen"... adding that "Yemen's stability is an
essential factor for Yemeni people and the region".

The European Commission in Yemen would witness a large expansion in
its activities, especially after lifting the EU representation level
in Yemen to a complete diplomatic mission, the EU diplomat made it
clear.

Before being appointed ambassador of the EU to Yemen, Mr. Michele
Cervone D'urso has also served as a chare d'affaires at the EU
mission to Yemen, contributing to strengthening EU work in Yemen.

He has worked with the EU since 1994 .He is a diplomat in Foreign
Affairs Department of the EU, which was established recently.

BA