U.S. considers increase in security aid to Yemen

ABU DHABI Ñ The United States is considering an increase in security aid to Yemen despite complaints by officials that Sanaa has limited cooperation in the investigation into the deadly bombing of the USS Cole in October.

Officials said the State Department has succeeded in releasing $40 million in aid for Sanaa. In addition, the department is lobbying for additional aid to bolster security cooperation between Sanaa and Washington.

U.S. ambassador to Yemen, Barbara Boudin, said the Bush administration is examining the prospect of increased aid in efforts to remove landmines in Yemen and improve counterterrorism efforts. Ms. Boudin was speaking at a news conference in Sanaa on late Tuesday.

The ambassador rejected reports of U.S. dismay over Yemen's refusal to allow the FBI to interrogate key suspects in the USS Cole bombing. Sanaa is said to have blocked FBI access to a Yemeni army general and key Islamic activists.

Washington wants to restore military relations with Yemen as part of an agreement to facilitate the USS Cole investigation, attributed to Saudi billionaire fugitive Osama Bin Laden. Officials said this would include the resumption of joint military exercises, training and U.S. naval visits to the port of Aden.