India deeply concerned over Yemen situation, favours dialogue

NEW DELHI: India today said it was "deeply concerned" about worsening political and security situation in Yemen and asked all parties there to amicably resolve their differences through the process of dialogue and consultations.

It also asked the parties to fully abide by relevant UN resolutions, the terms of the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference.

"India hopes that the ongoing UN-mediation efforts would assist the people of Yemen in finding a consensus-based solution to the current political impasse," the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.

As a longstanding friend of Yemen with close historical and people-to-people linkages, India has been extending all possible bilateral assistance to the country, he said.

The Spokesperson further said India remains committed to a stable, peaceful and democratic Yemen, which is in the interest of global peace and security.

Yemen has been gripped by political strife for weeks after minority Houthi rebels took over the reins of power in January. The Houthi militiamen dissolved Yemen's government and parliament on February 6 after seizing the presidential palace and key government buildings, sparking growing security concerns.

Many countries including the US, Britain, Germany and Saudi Arabia have evacuated their embassies due to the political instability.