Pres. Hadi remains president of Yemen - US

WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- The US noted that Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi "remains the president" and that it is up to the Yemeni people to determine what the future is, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Friday.
On Sunday the parliament will hold an emergency session to decide whether to accept Hadi's resignation. If his resignation is accepted, the constitution provides that the speaker of parliament will become acting president until an election is scheduled in the next 60 days. Otherwise, Hadi will remain president for an additional 90 days. If he submits resignation again, the parliament must accept it, Psaki asserted.
She told reporters, "We're in touch with a full spectrum of political leaders in Yemen, both to hear from how they believe the political transition can move forward, as well as to make clear that we will oppose any continuation of the violence we have seen in recent days, and that we expect that the parties will observe the constitution." Psaki added, "The Houthis are a legitimate political constituency in Yemen and have a right to participate in affairs of the state. We urge them to be a part of a peaceful transition process." Furthermore, she condemned the Houthis' use of violence and expressed concern with, "their non-compliance with agreements they have been signatories to." The US and the Houthis do have a shared concern over the threat of the AQAP but the US shares concerns with other countries that it doesnآ’t engage with either, Psaki affirmed.
The US embassy in Sanaa has reduced its American personnel working in Yemen but remains open and is continuing to operate. (end) ak.bs