Summary: August 2, 2005: Declaration on behalf of the European Union on The Economic Situation and Civil Disturbance in Yemen (Brussels)
The EU regrets the recent violence, which resulted in a large number of deaths, related to the reduction in fuel subsidies in Yemen. We oppose the use of violence and call on all parties to act with restraint, and to reconcile differences through dialogue. The EU supports and encourages a strong civil society, with full and genuine participation by all in political processes, including through right of people to assemble and to express their views.
A reduction in fuel subsidies is one of several necessary steps to reduce poverty in Yemen. The EU, along with other states and institutions, have stressed the importance of taking such measures. But, equally vital, is a serious and immediate effort to reduce poverty in Yemen to compensate for these reforms. The EU supports the Government of Yemen's Poverty Reduction Strategy, and would like to see it fully integrated into the national budget.
The EU would like to see Yemen achieve long term economic stability and prosperity. This can only be achieved if (1) more opportunities for economic growth are encouraged, particularly for the poor, (2) corruption is tackled effectively, (3) there is better access to education and health for all citizens, and (4) democracy is strengthened, with greater respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
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