The United States urges an immediate power transfer in Yemen following the UN Security Council resolution addressing the ongoing crisis in the country, the State Department said Friday in a statement.

"Today the international community sent a clear, unified message that the time has come for President Saleh to allow the Yemeni people to live free from violence and insecurity. UN Security Council Resolution 2014 on Yemen is an important step toward realizing a brighter future for all Yemeni people," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner in the statement.

"The only way to meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people is immediately to begin a transition of power in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council's initiative," he said.

The statement came after the UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution to voice "grave concern at the situation in Yemen," demanding that "all sides immediately reject the use of violence to achieve political goals."

Toner called on the international community to continue to " stand together, speak with one voice, and support all Yemeni citizens who want a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous future."

He also urged the Yemeni government to investigate "those responsible for violence against peaceful protesters and hold them accountable for their crimes."