U.S. Embassy in Yemen Temporary Closing Visa Services

The U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen recently announced that it is temporarily suspending routine visa services.  The Consular Section is currently dedicating its limited resources to providing services to U.S. Citizens.

The State Department issued the following statement:

"The U.S. Embassy is distressed by the violence, April 27,  that killed and injured hundreds of Yemeni citizens.  It is especially disturbing that the violence took place on the eve of signing an historic agreement between the Government and the Joint Meeting Parties that will achieve through peaceful, democratic, and Constitutional means a transition of authority leading to new Presidential elections in July 2011. "

"The Embassy urges Yemeni citizens to demonstrate their commitment to this peaceful transition by avoiding all provocative demonstrations, marches, and speeches in the coming days and to welcome this opportunity to lay the foundation of a strong, peaceful, prosperous Yemen for the future.  We also urge government security forces to refrain from using violence against demonstrators."