The Netherlands is once again extending a helping hand to Yemen after collaboration with the country was suspended in April due to excessive government violence against protesters.

However, funds earmarked for NGOs remained available. On Friday, Deputy Development Cooperation Minister Ben Knapen informed parliament that the government would assist Yemen in a gradual transition to a more democratic society.

Mr Knapen told parliament that the situation in Yemen has improved. An accord between the government and the opposition was agreed and President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down.

“With the support of the international community, the Yemeni government can take the reconstruction of the country in hand in order to regain the population’s trust which is necessary to implement democratic reform.”

Mr Knapen said there were no recent reports about large-scale government violence against protesters in Yemen.

(gsh)

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