France reaffirms commitment to Yemen’s unity, territorial integrity

By Esra Taskın and Ilayda Cakirtekin

PARIS / ISTANBUL (AA) - France on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen's unity and territorial integrity.

"France is closely monitoring the situation in Yemen with concern. In line with the United Nations Security Council statement of December 23, it reaffirms its commitment to Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, as well as to the prerogatives of the government and the Presidential Council," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

It said that France supports the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a political solution.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday announced ending its military presence in Yemen after the Presidential Leadership Council demanded the withdrawal of its forces within 24 hours.

The move came shortly after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launched a "limited" airstrike targeting two ships linked to the UAE at the Mukalla port in Yemen.

The attack came amid rising tensions since the Southern Transitional Council (STC) captured the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra early this month after clashes with government forces.