Yemen backers name groups for possible sanctions

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Diplomats from several nations backing Yemen’s political transition are recommending international sanctions against loyalists of the former president, southern secessionists and members of the largest Islamist group for undermining the country’s path to democracy, a foreign diplomat familiar with discussions said Thursday.

It was the first time countries supporting an initiative laid out by Gulf nations specified who they hold responsible for obstructing a transition toward democracy in Yemen. The initiative, designed to ease out longtime leader Ali Abdullah Saleh, replaced him in February with President Abded Rabbo Mansour Hadi after a year of protests and violence.