Saleh renews call on US to support Somali government

SANA'A, July 26 (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh renewed on Sunday his call for the United States and the international community to support the transitional government of Somalia for achieving the peace and stability in the region and ending the piracy acts. During his meeting with the U.S. Commander of Central Military Command General David Petraeus, Saleh affirmed Yemen's ongoing keenness on strengthening cooperation with the U.S. in all fields for serving the common interests of the two friendly countries, valuing the U.S. support to Yemen in economic field and combating terrorism. Saleh and Petraeus discussed the bilateral relations and joint cooperation aspects between the two countries and ways of boosting them in various areas, of them the military field, especially in training sector, coastguards, and the fighting against terrorism. They also reviewed the latest regional and international developments of the common concerns, including the current situations in Iraq, Somalia and the African Horn as well as the exerted efforts in combating the piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia. The U.S. official confirmed his country's obligation and willingness to keep on its cooperation and support to Yemen in the various fields, including the military field and combating terrorism so as to enhance the security and stability not only in Yemen but also in the region in general. Petraeus also praised the good level of relations and cooperation between Yemen and his country as well as Yemen's efforts in combating terrorism. BA/YA Saba