Associated Press 28/01/2010

Yemen risks providing a permanent new haven for al-Qaida without urgent help to rebuild its deteriorating economy, quell internal revolts and bolster work to tackle terrorism, foreign ministers warned at a global meeting Wednesday.

Talks in London involving about 20 nations offered backing for plans to bolster Yemen's fragile government as it wrestles with a deepening threat from global terrorism, a Shiite insurgency in the north and a secessionist drive in the south.

In a joint declaration following a two-hour meeting, ministers warned that Yemen's problems could threaten the stability of Arabian Peninsula if they go unchecked.

"The challenges in Yemen are growing and, if not addressed, risk threatening the stability of the country and broader region," ministers said in their statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Yemen's instability poses "an urgent national security priority," to the United States and other nations, urging swift political and economic reforms aimed at addressing crippling poverty, food and water shortages and mass illiteracy.

"To help the people of Yemen, we — the international community — must do more," Clinton told a news conference following the talks. "The government of Yemen must also do more. This must be a partnership if it is to have a successful outcome."

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