UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Saturday welcomed the swearing in of a new government in Yemen, calling it an "important milestone" in the country's transition.

"The formation of the Government of National Unity marks an important milestone in implementing the transition agreement as well as (UN) Security Council resolution 2014," Ban said in a statement issued here by his spokesman.

The secretary-general also called on "all sides to work towards the full implementation of an inclusive Yemeni-led transition process, giving all Yemenis including women and the youth, a true stake in the country's future."

The 34-member government is headed by Prime Minister Mohamed Basindwa, an opposition leader nominated by the opposition coalition in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative.

"The secretary-general welcomes the swearing in today of a Government of National Unity in Yemen," the statement said. "He commends the political leadership of Vice-President Hadi, Prime Minister Basandwa and the cooperation from all sides that enabled the timely formation of this government, in accordance with the transition agreement signed in Riyadh on 23 November."

UN Special Adviser Jamal Benomar and his team are currently in Yemen working closely with all Yemeni stakeholders, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Security Council members and other international partners, the statement said.

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