Islamists began taking control of parts of the neighbouring southern province of Abyan last year, including the town of Jaar in April and the provincial capital, Zinjibar, in May. Security forces have tried unsuccessfully to push them out and suffered heavy losses.
On Sunday, as many as 1,000 militants believed to be loyal to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula seized the town of Radaa in al-Baida province, about 170km (105 miles) south-east of the capital Sanaa.
He did not list the security issues, but in addition to ongoing clashes between demonstrators demanding the president face prosecution and Saleh loyalists, government forces have been battling separatists in the south, Houthi rebels from the Zaydi Shia community in the north, and Islamist militants allied to al-Qaeda.
Mr Qirbi said the government required the co-operation of all political parties, including the former ruling General People's Congress.
"But unfortunately, there are a couple of events relating to security, and if they are not solved... it will be difficult to run the elections on 21 February."
"I am among those who hope that the issue will take place in the planned manner," he said.
Mr Qirbi's comments to al-Arabiya on Tuesday were the first suggestion by a member of the national unity government appointed last month that the presidential election might be delayed.Islamist advance
Security forces controlled by the president and his family, as well as armed loyalists, have been accused of killing anti-government protesters.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh handed over power to his deputy in November in return for immunity from prosecution.
The poll is part of a deal brokered by Gulf states to end a year of political turmoil that has left hundreds dead.
Abu Bakr al-Qirbi told al-Arabiya TV that if several security problems were not resolved, it would be difficult to hold the vote on 21 February.
Yemen's foreign minister has warned that the presidential election due next month may have to be postponed.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:28















