U.N. Congratulates Yemen on Political Dialogue over Constitution, Polls

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday congratulated the people and president of Yemen as a national dialogue got underway that will lead to the drafting of a new constitution and elections.

Ban "commends President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, the government and the people of Yemen for their determination and wisdom in keeping the transition process on track against many odds," the U.N. leader's spokesman said in a statement.

The dialogue "represents a historic opportunity for the Yemeni people, including women and youth. It will allow them to come together to resolve grievances and to build trust, ensure justice, promote human rights and contribute to the country's development and prosperity," said Ban.

The dialogue, scheduled to run six months, brings together 565 representatives of Yemen's various political groups -- from secessionists in the south to Zaidi Shiite rebels in the north, in addition to civil society representatives.

They aim to draft a new constitution and prepare for general elections in February 2014, after a two-year transition led by Hadi.

The dialogue was being held as per the U.N.-brokered deal that eased former strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh out of office following an 11-month uprising against his 33-year rule.

In his opening speech Hadi called for a "modern state based on good governance" as he urged political forces across Yemen to "make concessions" to ensure success of the talks which according to him were "a turning point" in the country's history.