WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is condemning the latest violence against anti-government protesters in Yemen and urging authorities there to act with restraint as demonstrations against the country's long-serving leader escalate.
White House and State Department spokesmen said Monday that the U.S. wants to see a political transition in Yemen but stressed that a resolution to the crisis is up to the Yemeni people.
They spoke after Yemeni soldiers and police snipers opened fire on marchers calling for the ouster of the embattled president, killing at least 12 people and defying U.S. and European calls for a speedy deal to end months of bloodshed.
American officials say the U.S. ambassador to Yemen has participated in meetings between the government and opposition seeking a compromise but has not put forth any specific ideas.
