The Secretary-General spoke this morning with H.E. Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of Yemen.

The Secretary-General emphasized a common interest to see Yemen enjoying peace, stability and security, and the United Nations' readiness to support an all-inclusive dialogue and an early resolution of the situation in the country. The Secretary-General informed the President that he had dispatched a small UN team to engage with the parties and see how best the UN could assist with the situation in Yemen.

The Secretary-General expressed strong concerns for the dead and the injured, and urged utmost restraint from both government and opposition's forces. He underscored that violence and the use of force can only exacerbate the situation and trusted in the President's wisdom to arrive at a peaceful solution in the interest of all Yemeni people.

Taking this opportunity, the Secretary-General once again urges all parties to engage in the dialogue.