Commenting on the results on the presidential elections in Yemen, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:
"I congratulate the Yemeni people for successfully putting an end to Ali Abdullah Saleh's 33 years of rule. 21 February 2012 was an historic day for Yemen. Early turnout figures point to a massive support for the transition.
I regret that some polling stations have been attacked and closed earlier because of violence. I send my condolences to the families and victims of those who have lost their lives trying to exercise their legitimate voting rights. I unreservedly condemn these attacks.
An election with one candidate must necessarily serve only as a prelude to a pluralist system. The new President-elect Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has the daunting task of leading a transition which must be inclusive, credible and peaceful.
The new Yemeni government is now confronted with numerous challenges: fighting against extreme poverty, reinforcing Yemen's internal security, reining in ethnic rivalries, separatism and terrorism. Addressing these issues will require the maximum supports from Yemen's neighbours, the EU and the wider international community.
A special tribute should go to Yemeni women, who were first in line to unseat Saleh in a moving and unprecedented example of civic activism."
europarl.president.press@europarl.europa.eu
