SANA'A: Sources in Washington confirmed that Jeffrey Faltman, the United States assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs was coming to Yemen for a four day visit to examine the situation on the ground as President Barack Obama expressed concerns that some politicians loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh were hindering the completion of the power-transfer by road-blocking the military restructuring and preventing ministries to function properly. One of John Brennan's assistants for Homeland Security and counterterrorism also called President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi to reinforce the White House's message that it was standing ready to support Yemen throughout this difficult time. “He noted that it is essential that all Yemeni political actors, especially those from the previous government, play a constructive role in the transition process, and he expressed concern over recent reports that some former government officials are being disruptive,” the White House said in a statement. Despite the apparent departure from power of former President Saleh, many of his allies and more specifically his family members continue to hold key military or ministerial posts, which is not only drawing much criticism from Yemenis, but is also making implementing reforms difficult as decisions are often blocked and criticized. As ministers battle opposition and counter-orders on a daily basis, Yemen is still standing on the brink of a meltdown as funds promised to re-energize the country have yet to flow in. Moreover, security is becoming a serious issue with lootings, kidnappings and thefts on the rise both in the capital, Sana'a and throughout the country's main roads with armed gangs terrorizing the population. Slammed in between, terrorism, insurgency movements, political opposition and a potential military breakdown as soldiers are deeply unhappy; indeed Yemen is a cause for concerns. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/vm9rc Tags: Faltman, featured, Visit, Washington, Yemen Section: Latest News, Yemen
