Foreign meddling hurting Yemen, U.N. says

• Tweet

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council expressed concern that foreign weapons and money were getting into Yemen with the aim of thwarting political reform.

Tensions are high as Yemenis mark the anniversary of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh's resignation. He handed power over to his deputy, Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi, Feb. 27, 2012.

The Security Council said, in a resolution, there was a pressing need for all Yemenis, including those supporting a southern separatist movement, to take reform seriously.

"The Security Council expresses concern over reports of money and weapons being brought into Yemen from outside for the purpose of undermining the transition," the resolution read.

The measure didn't indicate where the influence originated. In early February, the U.S. State Department said weapons allegedly sent by Iran to anti-government forces in Yemen are "clearly" meant as a threat to Yemen and the region.

Hadi announced plans for a national dialogue last month. Yemen has struggled with national security and southern separatist campaigns in the face of a threat from al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.

A national dialogue conference is expected to culminate in preparations for a draft constitution. General elections should take place in 2014.