§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Yemen. [20252]
§ Mr. BradshawOur relations with Yemen are firmly founded on our historic links. Relations have improved since the low-point of the Abyan incident in 1998. We welcome President Saleh's strong condemnation of the attacks in the USA and his co-operation in the fight against terrorism. We are in close touch with the Yemenis on this and on other issues such as the British prisoners detained in Aden.
§ Mr. Alan DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) the US Government, (b) the United Nations and (c) other coalition partners concerning (i) terrorist organisations in Yemen and (ii) the policy of the Government of Yemen towards such organisations. [19127]
§ Mr. BradshawWe regularly discuss Yemen (including terrorist issues) as well as many other countries, both formally and informally with the US and other Governments. The contents of these talks remain confidential. There was a brief discussion of suspected terrorists in Yemen at the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee on 25 October.
We are grateful for the positive Yemeni approach to counter-terrorism. The Government of Yemen have HMG's support in their efforts to combat terrorism.