Sanaa, Asharq Al-Awsat- A British official has held talks with Yemeni officials about the latest developments in the Yemeni arena, namely, the war in the north and the southern movement, in addition to other security issues. Frank Baker, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the British Foreign Office, held yesterday separate talks with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Prime Minister Dr. Ali Muhammad Mujawar, and Foreign Minister Dr. Abu-Bakr al-Qirbi.

Asharq Al-Awsat learned from informed sources that the British official’s talks were focused on “assurances” about the present situations in Yemen and specifically the ongoing war in Sa’dah and Imran Governorates with the Huthist insurgents which is nearing the end of its third month. The sources said the visit and talks were within the framework of what can be called the “concern” of the region’s countries and other major ones in the world, especially following the growing wave of protests in the southern Yemeni governorates which are staged by supporters of the so-called “southern peaceful movement” who are demanding “secession” or “disengagement.”

Official sources cited the British official as saying that “the Yemeni Government has the right to confront any outlaw armed group seeking to undermine Yemen’s security and stability” and that Yemen “is an important country for Britain and we always support a united and stable Yemen.” He reiterated “Britain’s stand of support for Yemen, its unity, and its security and stability.” Baker also discussed with the officials in Sanaa dossiers like those of terrorism and sea piracy in addition to bilateral relations.