The U.S. government stands by Yemen as it works toward national reconciliation, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said. Kerry said Yemen has made important strides in transitioning toward a democratic government. "Yemenis from all walks of life have come together to chart a new course for their country through their National Dialogue, setting an example for the region of meaningful change through negotiation, inclusion and reconciliation," he said in a statement. Yemeni President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi in March opened a national dialogue with the aim of drafting a new constitution ahead of general elections in 2014. Hadi took power after a political deal ended the tenure of longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh. "We will continue to support the Yemeni people in their efforts to build a unified, stable, democratic and prosperous Yemen," Kerry said. Kerry's comments came as Yemenis marked Unity Day, the anniversary of the 1990 unification of North and South Yemen.
