Readout of John Brennan's Call with President Saleh of Yemen

Assistant to the President John Brennan spoke to President Ali Abdallah Saleh of Yemen today to welcome President Saleh's March 10 initiative to resolve the political crisis in Yemen. Brennan reiterated that representatives of all sectors of the Yemeni opposition should respond constructively to President Saleh's call to engage in a serious dialogue to end the current impasse. Brennan noted that the government and the opposition share responsibility for achieving a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Brennan also stated that a commitment by all sides to participate in an open and transparent process that addresses the legitimate concerns of the Yemeni people provides an orderly path to a stronger and more prosperous nation. President Saleh reiterated his hope that the opposition will engage immediately in a dialogue with the government as well as his public assurance not to use violence against peaceful demonstrators.