Washington, Shawwal 26, 1431, Oct 5, SPA -- U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns will visit Yemen, Iraq, and Jordan this week as part of efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, the State Department said Monday. In Yemen, Burns, the third-ranking U.S. diplomat, "will consult with government officials and political-party leaders on ways to enhance regional security and promote development," spokesman P.J. Crowley said. The spokesman told reporters he believed that Burns had already arrived in Yemen. In Baghdad, Burns "will continue to encourage the political factions in Iraq to form an inclusive and representative government, as well as review progress on the transition to a civilian-led partnership in Iraq," Crowley said. "In Jordan, [Burns] will discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues, including Middle East peace, with Jordan's King Abdullah," Crowley said, adding that the U.S. diplomat would return to Washington on Friday. --SPA 11:07 LOCAL TIME 08:07 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/823540