SANA'A, Jan. 13 (Saba) - The USA is concern over the escalating Iranian activities in Yemen, US ambassador to Yemen said Sunday.

In a press conference held in Sana'a, Gerald Feierstein accused Iran of destabilize Yemen and the region as well, saying that "there are evidences that prove Iran's support for some radical members of the Southern Movement that calls for separation."

He said that the Yemeni former vice president Ali Salem al-Beidh resided in Beirut [Lebanon] and received funds from Iran, stressing " We have no doubt that he is responsible for the efforts aiming to disrupt the Gulf initiative via backing the separation protests."

Moreover, Feierstein voiced his country's concerns about the Houthis' implementation of Iranian policy and being the surrogates for Iran in Yemen.

"The right way for the Houthis is to involve in the comprehensive national dialogue."

He underlined the importance of launching the national dialogue quickly, saying it is a chance for all Yemeni sides, including the opposition abroad, to reach an agreement on the country's future. He expressed the US support to all decisions President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi makes to pave the way for holding the national dialogue conference.

He affirmed the commitment of the Gulf initiative's sponsors to fulfill their vows to the Yemeni people of succeeding the political transition process.

He pinned hopes that the second stage of the armed forces reorganization is to begin within weeks, making clear that it includes reassigning the army brigades in the seven military commands, according to the President's decrees issued on December 19, 2012.

"Gulf initiative's sponsors have not played any role pertaining the appointment of military commands' chiefs," Feierstein said.

Replying a question on the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh's departure from Yemen for medical treatment, the US ambassador said that "the decision is his. No one can force Saleh out of his country."

However, he revealed that the Saudi Arabia has notified Saleh of its acceptance to host him to complete his treatments, accenting that Saleh would not play any role in forging Yemen's future.

"Saleh's days of ruling Yemen are over and that the days of a new Yemen start," he said, calling on the General People Congress (GPC) to make decisions proving that it is a party of the future not the past.

Feierstein also expressed worry of the security situation and assassinations occurred last year in Yemen, particular in the capital, stressing that the USA stands by Yemen in its war against terror.

"We work with the Yemeni government on making the proper responses, and make all the actions to insure that civilians are not harmed."

He affirmed that the Yemeni-USA relations have been improved and become much steadfastness since the election of President Hadi.

AF


Saba