Washington: The US on Thursday said President Ali Abdullah Saleh was accountable for transitioning power in Yemen after the February elections and a decision on his entry to America remained pending.
The visa application "hasn't been withdrawn. We also have not made a decision one way or another with regard to the issue," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.
Her comments came even as reports from Yemen said that Saleh has decided against coming to the US for medical treatment and would stay in the country.
"Our view is that President Saleh needs to step aside and allow the process to go forward, as agreed and as he has signed up to. So we want to see the Vice President and the opposition continue to work towards a democratic process in
Yemen," Nuland said.
Nuland said she has seen media reports about Saleh's change in travel plans.
"We've seen the same press reports you have. To date, we still have a visa application from President Saleh at our embassy in Sana’a."
PTI
First Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012, 16:19