Ban Ki-moon congratulates Yemenis on concluding national dialogue conference

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday congratulated the Yemeni people on concluding the National Dialogue Conference yesterday, and commended the leadership and determination of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the delegates of the Conference in bringing it to a "successful" conclusion, his press office said in a statement. "It represents a major step forward in the transition of Yemen and a hard won achievement, in the face of obstacles and delays," it said. It added that Yemen has demonstrated to the region that "positive change is possible when pursued through dialogue and compromise. The commitment of all political actors to achieve a peaceful transition has set Yemen on the path to democratic governance." However, Ban believes that the assassination on the same day of Ahmad Sharafeddin, a leading Houthi delegate to the Conference and former Dean of the Law faculty at Sana'a University, is a stark reminder of the challenges Yemen faces. Ban condemned his killing, and conveys his sincere sympathies and condolences to his bereaved family. He also calls on the Yemeni authorities to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. He called on the Yemeni people to respond positively to the important decisions taken through the National Dialogue and to work in good faith towards building a new Yemen, reiterating the continuing UN support in the next phase of the transition.