France third nation to close Yemen embassy
France, UK and US close Yemen embassies
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Monday, 04, Jan 2010 03:45
By Richard James.
France has joined the UK and US in closing its embassy in Yemen following a series of alleged threats from al-Qaida.
The UK and US embassies remained closed for a second day on Monday after initially shutting at the weekend.
Both sites were closed following claims a number of threats had been issued from the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula group.
Washington has accused the militant organisation of being behind the failed plot to blow up a US-bound plane on Christmas Day.
Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, 23, is alleged to have attempted to detonate explosives sewn into his clothing as the flight from Amsterdam made its final descent into Detroit.
US president Barack Obama has claimed the Yemen-based affiliate of al-Qaida helped train and arm the Nigerian.
Diplomatic staff announced on Monday the security situation in the country will be reviewed later with a reassessment on the embassy closures tomorrow.
During the weekend it was confirmed the UK and the US would jointly fund a new counterterrorism unit in Yemen with Gordon Brown announcing a world summit will be held in London later this month to discuss the situation in the country.