U.S. sanctions Yemen's ex-president to deter political spoilers following gov't formation

SANAA, Yemen, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The United States announced economic sanctions Monday against former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and two Houthi military commanders "for engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen."

Monday's announcement comes in response to weeks of political deadlock that preceded the installation of the new government on Sunday.

The sanctions, authorized under Executive Order 13611, were imposed in conjunction with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2140. The Treasury Department described the actions undertaken by Saleh, Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim and Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi in its announcement.

"These three individuals have, using violence and other means, undermined the political process in Yemen and obstructed the implementation of its political transition, outlined by the agreement of November 23, 2011, also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative, which provides for a peaceful transition of power in Yemen."

"We will hold accountable anyone who threatens the stability of Yemen and the efforts of the Yemeni people to accomplish a peaceful political transition," warned Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen.