Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan called Yemeni Vice President Abdo Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi today to commend him for announcing that early presidential elections will be held on February 21, 2012 and to congratulate the people of Yemen on initiating a political transition. The two agreed on the need to quickly implement the terms of the November 23 political settlement so that the legitimate and richly deserved aspirations of the Yemeni people can be realized. Mr. Brennan emphasized to the Vice President that it is critically important for the ruling party and the opposition to work together in the weeks and months ahead and to devote themselves fully to the implementation of the agreement. Mr. Brennan also stressed that all parties need to refrain from violence and proceed with the transition in a peaceful and orderly manner. Finally, Mr. Brennan reiterated the commitment of the United States to stand with the Yemeni government and the Yemeni people as they implement this historic agreement and pursue a more secure, prosperous, and democratic future.