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Rothman: I am hopeful that Yemen will follow through on its promise to remain fully committed to its counterterrorism efforts and I will continue to monitor the situation in this important region.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 25, 2010
CONTACT: Aaron Keyak
office: (202) 225-5061
cell: (202) 905-6361
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(Washington, DC) – Dr. Abu Bakar al-Qirbi, the Foreign Minister of Yemen, briefed Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense and State and Foreign Operations, on the situation and counterterrorism efforts in Yemen.
Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world and has one of its fastest growing populations. It is widely believed that this combination may lead to a volatile environment that could threaten regional security and allow terrorist networks to grow. As Congressman Rothman works to develop the Fiscal Year 2011 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, the Foreign Minister assured Congressman Rothman that the government of Yemen remains committed to fighting Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
“Yemen is a fledgling democracy that faces monumental security challenges and it is encouraging to see that the government of Yemen has reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorists. As the U.S. continues to seek out and destroy terrorists and their support networks, we need as many partners as possible in this fight – especially in the Middle East,” said Congressman Rothman. “I am hopeful that Yemen will follow through on its promise to remain fully committed to its counterterrorism efforts and I will continue to monitor the situation in this important region.”
In 2009, Congress provided Yemen with a total of $52.5 million in economic and counterterrorism assistance.
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