A student shouts slogans during a demonstration against the deployment of armed militia of the Shiite Houthi movement.

The White House on Friday welcomed the formation of Yemen’s new government, and encouraged the impoverished Arab nation to overcome partisan politics following weeks of turmoil.

Yemen announced a new 36-member government aimed at ending the political crisis, in line with a peace deal agreed on September 21, the day Shiite Houthi rebels seized the capital.

Washington said it “welcomes the formation of a new cabinet in Yemen,” National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said in a statement.

The NSC “commends the efforts of President (Abdrabuh Mansur) Hadi, Prime Minister (Khalid Mahfoudh) Bahah, the country’s political leadership, and Yemen’s diverse communities to come together to form an inclusive government.”

It called on all political actors to continue to cooperate in the new government.

“All of Yemen’s communities have important roles to play in Yemen’s peaceful political transition.

“This multi-party cabinet must represent the strength of Yemeni unity over individual and partisan interests that may seek to derail the goals of a nation,” Meehan said.

Formation of the new cabinet had been delayed because of tensions between the rebels and their political rivals.

The United States said cooperation with Yemen was crucial in its fight against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

 
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