The Secretary-General congratulates the Yemeni people, including the youth who came out in high numbers, for their wide participation in yesterday’s presidential elections, a clear expression of their sincere desire for peaceful change.  The Secretary-General commends the national authorities for the conduct of these elections which were held in a largely peaceful manner.  He deplores, however, the acts of violence that occurred in some areas in the South. 

The Secretary-General notes that the elections represent an important step in the implementation of the political agreement signed last November and encourages its full implementation in accordance with Security Council resolution 2014 (2011).

Special Adviser Jamal Benomar and his team are currently in Yemen working closely with all Yemeni sides and international partners to support the implementation of the next steps of the transition roadmap, including the National Dialogue Conference and the subsequent constitution-making process.