Yemen will be fragile over the next 60 days at least and until Presidential elections are held as scheduled for February 21, 2012. This transition process has started with the signing of an agreement between the “warring factions” by which President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to hand over power to Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi. A new Government of National Unity has been sworn in. I find it interesting that Jamal Benomar, the Secretary General’s Special Adviser for Yemen and the UN appear to be using the term “warring factions” rather than opposition or protestors perhaps reflecting something other than the view that a genuine revolution was underway. Read: - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/yemen-settlement-un-to-endorse-by-ambassador-mo/42034 UN to Monitor Elections as Well as Agreement Implementation: “Now is not the time for complacency,” according to Ambassador Benomar. “The situation in Yemen remains highly fragile, and the political agreement will be impossible to implement without the continuous commitment and cooperation of political and other leaders throughout the country,” said Mr. Benomar, who just returned from his seventh visit there. I remain hopeful, despite the many challenges that lie ahead, that the agreement provides for new, inclusive institutions and processes, and opens the way for reform that can meet expectations of those calling for change,” he stated. The UN, for its part, has deployed electoral experts to assist during this critical period and Amb. Benomar reports that the process is moving forward and the agreement is being implemented. The Government has already taken action to restore peace and stability, including the removal of barricades and checkpoints and the withdrawal of armed groups from public and private facilities. “We want to see a Yemen where the streets belong to the people, not to the militia. We want to see Yemenis able to go about their daily lives and grow their communities, where civic leaders are the ones shaping the future of the country, not those with arms.” Best potential news though maybe that Saleh will soon depart the country again, ostensibly for medical treatment. Ambassador Benomar stressed that the continuous engagement of all actors will be critical and long-term stability will depend on the success of a genuinely participatory process. He also stressed the humanitarian, recovery and development aspect of the process. Read: “Yemen Still Needs Attention” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/yemen-still-needs-attention-by-ambassador-mo/42286. “The international community has pressed hard for the sides to reach a political settlement and these calls have been heeded. Now donors have to back up their calls for reform by providing the support that is needed to implement the agreement and see the country through this transition period.” By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice