Yemen to Establish Coast Guard with U.S. Assistance

Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh met on Thursday with Chief of the U.S. Army's Central Command Gen. Tommy Franks. During the meeting, attended by Vice President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi, they discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries, mainly in the military affairs and counter terrorism, in addition to the latest local and international developments of common concern. President Saleh stressed Yemen's keenness on developing and enhancing relations with US in different fields. On his part, the US General expressed appreciation for the Yemeni anti-terror efforts. Earlier on the day, Franks confirmed his country's willingness to assist Yemen set up a coast guards forces to prevent the infiltration of terrorists. In a press conference he held hours after his arrival in Sana'a, Franks touted Yemen's contribution to the global anti-terror war. He said the length of the Yemeni shoreline needs a coast guard. He added that the Untied States encouraged president Saleh's proposal to set up the coast guards forces. In this regard, he indicated that the United States presented a number of boats and held training courses for some coast guard officers. He also expressed happiness for the big efforts being exerted by the Yemeni officers, stressing the importance of maintaining the cooperation between the US and Yemen to develop the role of the coast guard authority.