JANUARY 21-27

Reports noted that a delegation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) arrived in Yemen on January 27, 2013 and held a meeting with President Abu Mansour Hadi. The UNSC delegation is expected to hold meetings with several other political factions to facilitate the political transition of the country. The agenda of the delegation includes meetings with President Hadi, the military committee, the general secretariat of the dialogue conference and the political settlement partners. The meetings intend to send a clear message to the Yemeni factions that the international community strongly backs President Hadi and to stress the importance to accelerate the completion of the two-year transitional period. 1

In another development, according to reports, the United States of America, France and the United Kingdom have sent war planes to Yemen. According to the security sources, 250 American Marines arrived in capital Saana on January 26, 2012, increasing yet again America's military presence in the country. In addition to the Marines, several American - Counterterrorism Units agents are reportedly deployed throughout the capital to check any potential threat. British troops scattered in Sana'a, criss-crossing with their American counterparts to cover as much ground as possible. Dozens of French warplanes were sent to patrol the sky.2

• 1. “UN Delegates Arrive in Yemen, Hold Meetings with Leader”, Yemen Post, January 27, 2013, at http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=6466&MainCat=3
• 2. French, British, US warplanes and troops in Yemen capital, Yemen Post, January 28, 2013, at
  http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=6467&MainCat=3