Statement on Assassination of Sadeq Mansour

November 18, 2014

The United States strongly condemns the assassination of Sadeq Mansour, Assistant Secretary General of the Islah Party in Taiz.  Politically-motivated killings instill fear, increase instability, and do not serve the interests of Yemen or its people.  We call on all parties to abandon violence as a means to exert political influence or express ideological convictions.

Democracies are founded upon and prosper with the peaceful exchange of ideas where citizens can express differing opinions without fear of hostility or   retribution.  Senseless violence will not resolve Yemen’s challenges, and must stop immediately, in order to allow all Yemenis to work together for the good of their nation.  Only this spirit of tolerance and cooperation will help Yemen complete its transition toward an inclusive, prosperous state.