"We had talks with the opposition leaders and members from the ruling party in Yemen. We are now discussing the next step, which you will come to hear about in the next few hours,'' Shaikh Abdullah told a press conference after a joint meeting between GCC foreign ministers and their European Union counterparts here Wednesday.

The ministers expressed deep concern at the situation in Yemen. "The current impasse between the various parties might decline quickly into more serious confrontation and conflict," said a statement issued at the end of the talks.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to support Yemen's development as a unified, stable, democratic and prosperous state.They called on all parties in Yemen to urgently forge a meaningful, comprehensive and inclusive agreement on political transition.

"Dialogue is the only way to make progress on political, economic and social reforms acceptable to all Yemenis," the statement said.

Libya crisis

The ministers exchanged views on current initiatives in support of Yemen's political transition. They welcomed and supported the ongoing GCC initiative and efforts towards a political settlement of the impasse.

Calling for an immediate and genuine ceasefire in Libya, the GCC and EU ministers stressed that Muammar Gaddafi's regime has lost legitimacy and expressed support for the Transitional National Council as a legitimate interlocutor representing the Libyan people.

They expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Libya.

Iran should reconsider

Iran should reconsider its policies in the region and respect the unity, sovereignty and political will of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Wednesday.

Shaikh Abdullah added that Iran should not intervene in the internal affairs of other countries. "Whoever does not respect others, will definitely not be respected by them. I wish no party will treat others the way Iran does treat other parties," he said after talks between GCC and European Union foreign ministers Wednesday.

The GCC and EU ministers urged Iran to play a constructive role in the region and to cease interfering in the internal affairs of GCC states and other countries. The ministers called on Iran to fulfil its obligations under international law to provide protection for diplomatic missions in the country.

The ministers condemned violence in all its forms. They stressed their readiness to strengthen consultation andcoordination and to mobilise appropriate support for countries across the region if and when requested.