U.S. considers increase in security aid to Yemen
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Thursday, August 30, 2001
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.
Thursday, August 30, 2001
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