We are deeply troubled by reports of attacks against civilians in the city of Taiz. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. As we have long said, we condemn violence by all parties in Yemen and call for all sides to exercise maximum restraint. We also call for a prompt investigation into the circumstances of these attacks and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
If President Saleh cares about Yemen's future and the well-being of the Yemeni people, he must immediately initiate a full transfer of power that allows early presidential elections to be held within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) transition initiative. We call on him to fulfill his promises without delay. Only then can the Yemeni people come together to address the enormous challenges facing their country.
