President Saleh holds meeting with British PM

LONDON, August 26 (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh, currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, held talks British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London on Thursday. The two leaders discussed the extension of bilateral relations and horizons of partnership and cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields.They confirmed that visit forms a new stage in the bilateral relations which serve the people of the two countries. They also discussed further British support for Yemen and investment in it. The meeting also pointed out to situations in the Meddle East especially issues of Palestine, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa as well as the role of the two countries in restoring security and stability in the region. President Saleh appreciated balanced stance of British Prime Minister on Arab-Israeli conflict, confirming the importance of Israel’s commitment to implementation of the Roadmap to peace plan. He called for further pressure on Israel to stop construction of settlements and consideration of Palestinian prisoners as POWs. The President pointed out to need for peace in the Middle East in line with international resolutions and Roadmap that insure creation of an independent Palestinian state. For his part, Blair spoke highly of Yemen’s record of democracy, human rights and political and economic reforms. He said that Britain and the European Union consider Yemen as a partner in reforms and that president Saleh was experienced in this area. Blair affirmed commitment of his country to maintain support for Yemen in Fields of the development and political reforms. AH/AA SABA