Yemen vows to tackle causes of terrorism

The poverty-stricken country has become the focus of world attention after the failed Christmas Day airline bombing was linked to militants operating within its borders.

In a joint news conference after an international conference on Yemen in London, the foreign ministers of Yemen, Britain and the United States said Yemen's problems required a broader range of solutions than a simple crackdown on al-Qaeda affiliates.

"It's been a common feature of every contribution that we have heard today that the assault on Yemen's problems cannot begin and end with its security challenges and its counter-terrorism strategy," said Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

"In tackling terrorism it is vital to tackle its root causes. In Yemen's case these are manifold – economic, social and political."

Among the commitments made by Yemen was a pledge to start talks with the International Monetary Fund to help put together a programme of economic reforms.