UNITED NATIONS – The UN Security Council is considering a draft resolution to impose travel bans and asset freezes on people in Yemen who obstruct or undermine the country's political transition and those who commit human rights violations. Yemen, a US ally, with a population of 25 million, is trying to end nearly three years of political unrest, which began with mass protests against Ali Abdullah Saleh, the president for 33 years who stepped down in 2012. Britain circulated a draft resolution among the 15 council members on Friday that would establish a sanctions committee for one year to blacklist individuals and entities in Yemen. The draft does not initially name anyone to be subjected to sanctions. The Security Council has previously expressed concern over reports of interference by Saleh and former Vice President Ali Salim Al-Beidh. In November, Jamal Benomar, special UN adviser on Yemen, accused members of Saleh's circle of obstructing reconciliation talks aimed at completing a power transfer deal that eased Saleh out of office. The draft recognizes “that the transition process requires turning the page from the presidency of Ali Abdullah Saleh” and stresses that the best solution is a “peaceful, inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led political transition process that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people.” — Reuters
