Democracy News

Yemen’s Saleh Vows to Return to Power
August 22, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On August 7, the New York Times reported that Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh had been discharged from the hospital where he was being treated in Saudi Arabia. Saleh has undergone a number of operations since a bomb exploded in the presidential mosque on June 3, forcing him and several other wounded high-ranking officials to travel to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. The attack was preceded by six months of mass protests demanding that Saleh leave power.

In response, the opposition spokesman, Mohammed Qahtan, said that Saleh’s release “does not mean anything to us.” Furthermore Qahtan added, “There is a revolution against the president, against Ali Abdullah Saleh, and it will continue until his regime ends.”  However, according to the New York Times the revolution has stalled and so has the political process. Daily street protests calling for an end to the Saleh government are still held in cities throughout the country, although little has changed since Saleh’s departure for medical treatment.

The New York Times also reported on August 7 that Islamic militants took over Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan Province located in the south. The militants, who call themselves Ansar Shariah, or supporters of Islamic law, have been suspected of having ties to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch of the international terrorist network. In response, the Yemeni army, backed by local tribesmen, has been fighting the militants to try to regain the town, but so far have successfully quashed attempts at advancement.

On August 16, the New York Times reported that in a televised statement, Saleh promised his supporters that he would “see [them] soon in the capital, Sana.” Additionally, Saleh railed against his political opponents and the protesters who have demanded his immediate ouster, calling them “exploiters, war merchants and street looters.”

Currently, the US, Saudi Arabia and many of Yemen’s regional neighbors are backing a plan for a transition of power in Yemen, under which Saleh would step down in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Saleh has agreed to similar plans several times during the last six months, only to back out at the last minute. Saleh has ignored previous calls from the international community to step down.

On August 22, the Jordan Times reported that Saleh is objecting again to key points of a US-backed deal. The so-called power transfer deal, proposed by a Saudi-led group of Gulf Arab nations, envisages Saleh stepping down and handing power to his deputy, who would rule until presidential and parliamentary elections take place.  However, now Saleh is reportedly demanding that the deal spell out the "mechanism of implementation" of the power transfer.

In response, Mohammed Al Sabri, an opposition spokesman, denounced Saleh's remarks as "a new game to get around the deal." Furthermore Al Sabri added "He doesn't want this deal in the first place but he doesn't have the courage to say that he rejects it in the face of the Americans and the Saudis."

Previously on August 20, the Yemen News Agency reported that Vice President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi met members of the preparatory committee and representatives of the General Conference of the Yemeni Tribes. During the meeting Mansour stated his “support to efforts or conferences for national principles and maintain the country’s security, stability and tranquility.” In addition, Mansour stated “all political parties, civil society organizations, tribal leaders and social, political and legal figures should take their national responsibility to preserve stability."

The embattled country is also fighting al-Qaeda forces in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as a revolt from secessionists in the southern part of the country that want to see the old South Yemen reconstituted as a republic.

For previous news on Yemen, please see:
Yemen Revolt Continues; Saleh Gravely Injured

Sources:
New York Times – Yemeni President, Hurt in Bombing, Leaves Saudi Hospital

New York Times – Yemen’s President Appears Healthier in Video

New York Times – Yemen’s Leader Vows to Return Soon and Defies Calls for His Ouster

Reuters – Saleh vows return to Yemen, U.S. urges him stay away

The Jordan Times – Saleh objects to power transfer deal

Yemen News Agency – VP meets tribal group members