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A Gulf-mediated plan for Yemen calls for the election of a consensus president for a two-year interim period after which parliamentary and another round of presidential elections are to be held.
But Yemeni officials have said the unrest in one of the world's poorest countries could delay the presidential election planned for February 21.
"We regret that the president has yet failed to comply with his own commitment to leave the country and to permit elections," added Clinton, referring to embattled Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
After a year-long brutal crackdown on mass anti-government protests which left hundreds of people dead, Saleh handed over power to his vice president until elections could be held while he remains honorary president.
The weakened central government has lost its ability to enforce its rule in outlying provinces, and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has seized control of towns and cities in the restive south.
"We remain focused on the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in Yemen and we continue to work with our partners there and elsewhere to insure that Al-Qaeda doesn't gain a foothold in the Arabian Peninsula through actions that would undermine the stability of Yemen and the region," Clinton said.
On Monday, officials said AQAP and its local affiliates had taken over a town close to the capital Sanaa, a major advance for the militants.
In the north, Shiites and Sunnis have been engaged in fierce battles in recent months, raising sectarian tensions and leaving dozens of people dead.
Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi is expected to be the sole candidate in next month's election.
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But Yemeni officials have said the unrest in one of the world's poorest countries could delay the presidential election planned for February 21.
"We regret that the president has yet failed to comply with his own commitment to leave the country and to permit elections," added Clinton, referring to embattled Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
After a year-long brutal crackdown on mass anti-government protests which left hundreds of people dead, Saleh handed over power to his vice president until elections could be held while he remains honorary president.
The weakened central government has lost its ability to enforce its rule in outlying provinces, and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has seized control of towns and cities in the restive south.
"We remain focused on the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in Yemen and we continue to work with our partners there and elsewhere to insure that Al-Qaeda doesn't gain a foothold in the Arabian Peninsula through actions that would undermine the stability of Yemen and the region," Clinton said.
On Monday, officials said AQAP and its local affiliates had taken over a town close to the capital Sanaa, a major advance for the militants.
In the north, Shiites and Sunnis have been engaged in fierce battles in recent months, raising sectarian tensions and leaving dozens of people dead.
Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi is expected to be the sole candidate in next month's election.
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