OREANDA-NEWS. October 21, 2011. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov on October 20 received a delegation of Yemeni opposition leaders including Yassin Noman, rotational chairman of the Likaa Mushtarak bloc and secretary general of the Yemeni Socialist Party, Mohamed Salem Basendwah, the opposition co-chair in the Preparatory Committee for National Dialogue, and Abdul Wahab al-Ansi, head of the Islah political party.

The sides discussed in detail the development of the political situation in the Republic of Yemen, inter alia in the context of international efforts to promote its normalization. Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed the need for the immediate and complete cessation of violence and a peaceful political settlement in Yemen based on a broad national dialogue and consensus to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

The Minister noted the importance of tapping into the positive potential of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative in order to overcome the internal crisis and take Yemen along the path towards sustainable democratic development.

The Yemeni opposition leaders stressed their commitment to resolve all issues in the country through the political process and dialogue, without outside interference. They evaluated highly the constructive and vigorous role of Russia in peacefully resolving the crisis situation in Yemen and ensuring its non-violent transfer into the mainstream of democratic reforms in accordance with the aspirations of all Yemenis. The delegation highlighted the focus of Likaa Mushtarak on strengthening the traditional Russian-Yemeni relations of friendship and cooperation.

On the same day, at the Ministry, consultations by Mikhail Bogdanov, a Deputy Minister, with the Yemeni delegation took place, examining in depth the situation in Yemen and the UN Security Council deliberations on it.