The British Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt, has today expressed his concern about the situation in Yemen. “I remain extremely concerned about the deteriorating security, political and economic situation in Yemen. A peaceful settlement to the political crisis is urgently required if Yemen is to avoid a humanitarian crisis and increasing risks of conflict.\" Burt welcomed President Saleh’s decision this week to agree to a transfer of power. Saleh has given his Vice President the authority to negotiate with opposition parties along the lines of a GCC plan to end hostilities in the violence-ravaged country. \"I call upon both the ruling party and the opposition to engage in good faith now in dialogue under the Vice-President’s authority. He should build on ideas already developed in agreement with both sides and the international community, which include: the principles of the GCC initiative, the formation of a national unity government headed by the opposition, the formation of a higher committee for security and military affairs to restore security across the country and holding Presidential elections before the end of 2011.\" “We are working with all sides and diplomatic allies to ensure the Yemeni political crisis is resolved as soon as possible.  At the UN General Assembly in New York next week I will be chairing a meeting to discuss this and reviewing the situation with Foreign Ministers from across the region.”