Yemen commends Gulf, int''l backing to presidential polls

SANAA, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi lauded here Thursday Gulf and international political and material support to early presidential elections due in Yemen on February 21st.
"This support will largely help in achieving stability in Yemen," the minister said in news remarks.
He said Gulf countries, the US, EU and other world nations view the forthcoming presidential elections in Yemen as the safe way to a smooth and democratic power transition in the country.
Meanwhile, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Britain are poised to have preparatory meetings for the Friends of Yemen Conference due in late March or early April 2012, the Yemeni minister added. (end) az.mt KUNA 100030 Feb 12NNNN