National Yemen Issue 38 by National Yemen Newspaper

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The Facts As They Are

Escalating violence affects children attending School in Yemen

Abyan, The New Modern Homeland of Al-Qaeda

A Comedian’s Take: Youth of Change Square Continue to Reject Saleh

SUNDAY , Apr 3 , 2011 I ISSUE 38 PRICE : YER 30 WWW . NAT IONALYEMEN. COM

In Yemen, Is It The End?

The pro-government protestors on the "Friday of Brotherhood" show their loyalty and strong support for Saleh to stay in power until the end of his term in ofﬁce. President Saleh gave a brief speech in which he said he will "sacriﬁce his soul and blood to honor their faith and support." On the other side the opposition parties brought forth their supporters on what they dubbed "Friday of Enough." Military forces were seen deployed massively on Sitteen street, in a reaction to the announcement of the opposition parties that they might move toward the presidential palace.

Armed Tribesmen Deployed in Southern Coast

Kidnapped Head of Saeeda TV Returns

By Saddam Alashmory Media sources reported that men believed to be of the central security and wearing civilian clothes kidnapped the media personality Abdulghani Al-Shamiri from one of the streets of the capital last Thursday from his car and drove him to an unknown destination, but then freed him later on Saturday. Al-Shamiri’s kidnapping is related to his political attitudes on the opposition and his closeness to the Islah party. The former head of TV and

Mukalla / Governorates exclusive Hundreds of armed tribesmen of various political affiliations carrying weapons deployed on the public roads from Shabwah to Abyan and Mukalla and near the liquefied gas project in Balhaf port on the Arabian sea late last week. This deployment comes after some jihadist groups took oover seven directorates in Shabwa, including are Mayfa’a, Azzan, Nisa, Markhah, al-Naqbah and also

controlled Lawday and al-Husn areas in Ja’ar, Abyan. Mukalla also is witnessing confrontations from time to time between with the army and the republican guardsm which made the authority struggle to maintain its control of the provincial capitals of some governorates after having governorates like Sa’ada, Marib, and al-Jawf under the control of revoluContinued on Page (3)

President, Deﬁant, Holds Ground Embattled Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh thanked thousands of supporters gathered near the presidential palace on Saturday for backing the constitution in a further sign he has no immediate plans to step down. Weeks of protests across Yemen have brought Saleh's 32-year rule to the verge of collapse but the United States and neighbouring oil giant

Saudi Arabia worry about who might succeed him in a country where al Qaeda militants flourish. On Friday, tens of thousands of people, both for and against Saleh, took to the streets in Sanaa as negoiators struggled to revive talks to determine his fate. "I salute you for your heroic stand and thank you for supporting constitutional

legitimacy," Saleh told the crowd on Saturday amid a sea of portraits of the president and banners supporting his continued rule. Saleh, who has has lost the support of many tribal, military and political backers, met representatives of several tribes, officials said, as he dug in against demands for his Continued on Page (6)

radio of the Yemeni channel al-Saeeda, Al-Shamiri has submitted his resignation from the ruling party and joined the young revolutionaries demanding the fall of the regime. Sources close to Al-Shamiri family pointed that the kidnapping came after several threatening messages by anonymous callers if he continued his attitude with the ruling party This event was met with condemnnations by the personnel, civil society, and

political parties, and several journalists and activists organized a solidarity march to the Attorney General's Office on Saturday morning. They have also issued a statement of solidarity in which they demanded the attorney and minister of interior promptly release Abdulghani Al-Shamiri and reveal the details of the kidnapping and hold the perpetrators behind the crime accountable. The Journalists Syndicate also condemned what they

described as the crime undertaken by the national security and demanded fast release of Abdulghani AS-shamiri and held the authorities fully responsible. Al-Shamiri, who was the head of the TV and Radio Yemen channel and moved to Al-Saeeda channel two years ago and he submitted his resignation from the GPC, in which he was a member of Supreme Media Committee and the Standing cCommittee of the Party and declared his joining of the revolutionaries.

Yemeni protesters hurl stones at police Thousands of anti- government protesters are hurling stones at anti-riot police backed by tanks in the southern province of Aden. Protesters demanding the ouster of longtime leader President Ali Abdullah Saleh called for a general strike Saturday and witnesses say many of residents responded by not going to work.

Clashes broke out in al-Mulaa'a street on the way to the Channel 2 TV and Aden Radio. Drivers could not reach the other part of the city due to the heavy presence of the military in a reason of al-Hirak movement that might take over the control of TV and Radio to announce the possible secession of the South.

Protesters set tires on fire, sending black smoke in the sky. They also built barricades with large rocks at the entrance of main roads to prevent tanks from moving. Saleh has ruled Yemen for 32 years. He warns that if he is ousted, Yemen will descend into chaos, boosting the al-Qaida presence already in the country.

National Yemen Escalating violence affects children attending School in Yemen

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

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COMMUNITY

By Mohammed Al Asaadi SANA’A, Yemen, 21 March 2011 – For Yusuf Al-Nihari, 10, and his older brother, Abdul Mutaleb, walking to school every day past

protestors on March 18, at least two of the victims are known to have been children. This happened about 250 metres away from the boys’

Sisters Manar and Bushra Al-Bukari are among thousands of Yemeni children who have not been able to attend school in the past few weeks, due to the growing unrest in Yemen. Their mother fears for their safety and keeps them at home as much as she can. anti-government protester tents and security force checkpoints has become a real struggle. “I am scared walking to school,” says Yusuf, who is taking a break from a lively game of football in the playground of the Moath Ibn Jabal School in Sana’a. During the interview, he seems mindful of the time. He wants to play as much as he can. Come tomorrow, he may not be able to. “My brother, sisters and I were out of school for a week,” adds Abdul Mutaleb. “We were all scared.” Of the 52 shot dead during a massive crack-down on

first time Yemeni children and other civilians have faced serious threats to their safety, health, and well-being. The country has long suffered from armed conflict and wars. “Yemeni parents continue to take their children to demonstrations, exposing them to risk and increasing their vulnerability to fatal dangers,” says SEYAJ Organization for Childhood Protection Chairman Ahmed Al-Gorashi. He warns all sides in the political conflict against including children in demonstrations. Bushra Al-Bukari, 11, and her sister, Manar, 10, live some 100 metres from an anti-government sit-in in Sana’a. They heard gunfire a week ago when security forces attempted to end the protest. “We were terrified. We can’t go to school or play

outside,” they say. “We miss our class and our friends.” Ms. Al-Bukari decided to keep her daughters at home, as far away from harm as she could. “I don’t allow my children to watch the news on TV,” she says, “but I can’t prevent them from hearing gunshots or smelling tear gas.” Impact on education Back at Moath Ibn Jabal School, the Al-Nihari brothers want the freedom to move around, study and play. “We don’t like to be locked in,” they say, before running off, back to their football game. Jamila Al-Mujahid, their school principal, has noticed that the on-going tension and escalating violence has affected not only students’ attendance, but behaviour and

home. Since the anti-government demonstrations in Yemen began in early February, 19 children have reportedly been killed, including in the cities of Sana’a, Ibb, Aden, and Mukalla. This is an estimated 20 per cent of the total number of casualties, and is “absolutely alarming,” according to UNICEF Child Protection Specialist George Abu-Zulof. Children in danger With the recent escalation of violence, tensions and clashes are expected to increase across the country. Unfortunately, it is not the

Abdul Mutaleb (left) and Yusuf (right), pass anti-government protester tents and security force checkpoints every day on their way to school in Sana'a, Yemen. The brothers have already missed a week's classes due to the growing political unrest.

More than 3,000 children normally attend the Moath Ibn Jabal school in central Sana'a. But lately, civil unrest has kept the children away from school. A day after heavy shooting and protests earlier this month, not a single child showed up. performance as well. “Children are becoming more aggressive and have a higher tendency to fight,” she says. “I found political slogans painted on some children’s arms. Kids are not used to seeing and experiencing such violence. What is going on now is a crime against childhood.” Schools in other parts of the country have also been affected. In Aden, some protestors threatened to burn down schools if teachers and pupils refused to join the protests, while in Taiz, a ruling party local counsellor stormed several schools with armed men and threatened teachers who were on strike. “Children are the first and most vulnerable victims of any emergency or civil unrest,” says UNICEF Representative in Yemen Geert Cappelaere. “We must make

sure children are not caught up in the disputes of adults.” A basic right UNICEF is gravely concerned about the vulnerability of children in the light of the deteriorating security situation in Yemen. Physical safety and access to education are basic rights for every child. But desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures. Ayman Al-Awadhi, a sports teacher at Modern Safir School which borders the sit-in area in Sana’a, believes that closing schools may be the safest option for children in the current situation, even though he says protesters “have not intimidated us.” “Children should never be denied access to education,” he adds.

National Yemen

LOCAL

Friday Political Marathons – For How Long?

The Friday is the seventh day of the week in the Arab and Muslim calendars, and it is known as the religious and rest day of Muslim communities all over the world. Since the ﬁrst Friday of February, this reputation has been changed into the best day for protests and clashes between governments and their peoples seeking a better future, which is not yet in the ofﬁng for some of the affected countries. Friday has gained many religious connotations that indicate the greatness of the day. Nowadays, the name of Friday has turned into a nightmare to many Muslims where they anticipate the worst will happen on this particular day. Yemen is like other Arab countries which are involved in the process of political upheaval, which has turned Friday into continual rallies and a political race to show the power of competing faction in taking over the lead and right to rule the country. From one Friday to another, the creativity of generating names and bringing people to the capital from the governorates turned into a business for some, on both the side of the

government and the opposition. Meanwhile, the country’s economy is collapsing because of the Friday showdowns, the business activities are freezing, the tourism appears to be suspended till further notice, and education has been held hostage to politics. So should Yemen continue the Friday movement for the benefit of some and the loss of all? Clearly this isn’t fair to the country and its people. Yemen has been an exceptional case even in its modern revolution that is taking a different style in its action, including a longer process for negotiations to end the ongoing political disputes in which parties want to win against each other. The Youth are the good ones, and all are working for the satisfaction of the youth and are fighting for their future and rights. The Friday marathon in Yemen should end to enable the youth to plan for their futures, otherwise there will be no close or good future for them. The mediators indicate that Yemen might lose control, or descend into civil war. How true that is no one knows till next Friday comes and each party will re-prepare its factions for the day. Until when will these marathons continue to consume the country’s budget, energy, and future? I would say if no party will show flexibility for the sake of a safe future, Yemen will suffer catastrophes from which it might never recover. Make Friday a good day for the new generation to recall; do not make Friday a horrible day in history.

Hadrami Detainees Released Hadhramout has witnessed a huge celebration for the release of the high-proﬁle political detainees from the area who include Fadl Alsalahi , Wasil Basiddiq, Abdullah Aljaberi and Abu Bakr Alhamumi last Tuesday from the central prison. Political activist Fadl Alsalahi delivered a speech in

the “freedom and dignity” protest camps where he saluted the sons of Hadhramout for their struggle, conﬁrming that they will continue until liberation and independence. Political activist Zaki Saleh Ahmed is still detained in the central prison and is expected to be released on Wednesday

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

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Saleh Remains Entrenched As Opposition Squirms When Yemeni opposition thought that it was so close to achieve its victory through overthrowing the regime and that it had utilized all its powers with the massive rallies and protests all over the republic, it now appears as if the president isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It worked to attract all tribal figures and important military leaders, yet all that wasn’t enough to make the Yemeni president step down The President surprised the opposition with a stronger position than he has had for weeks, and he claims that he is offering no more concessions. Saleh accused the opposition of raising the roof on demands whenever he attempted to meet these demands to avoid bloodshed and disturbance of the nation’s security. The president also added that all concessions he made were offered individually, but

after coordination and consultancy with the GPC leadership. Saleh also referred to a deliberate misconception of the democratic concept by some political entities in his meeting with the GPC last Sunday. He described the control over several governorates by some personalities in the north of Yemen as rebellion and same as in the South where elements having gained control of an arms factory in Abyan. He also accused the opposition of conspiring against the army and the security forces and attacking security points and then blaming the government while trying to regain control over the area. The President demanded the GPC as a political party to face this rebellion and to stand side by side with the local councils to overcome this challenge. His meeting occurred with

nearly a thousand GPC members suggesting that he discharge resigned GPC members, whom he described as “apostates,” for being conspirators and members of Islah, the Nasserites, and other parties. The Yemeni opposition had announced that last Friday will be the day in which they will march on the presidenctial palace and will

have the president out. This irritated the presidents’ allies and made them flock to the president’s house from all over the entire republic. It was accepted that this day the president will hand over power to the opposition, yet the president declared in his speech that he would only transfer power to “safe hands.”

Siding With Protestors, Amran Commander Gives Out Weapons Eyewitnesses reported that commander of brigade number 301 Hameed Alqushaibi in Amran governorate has submitted arms to hundreds of his tribe members, who belong to Hashid tribe According to one of the soldiers who escaped from the military camp after pretending to be a member of Islah party, hundreds of tribe members who flocked to the camp

repeating slogans of overthrowing the regime while Alqushaibi distributes arms to them from the camp’s weapons store. Alqushaibi had declared his joining to the opposition demanding the fall of the regime last week. According to local residents, brigade number 301, which consists of 3000 soldiers, has witnessed the escape of 700 members who

refused to join the opposition and who joined the republican guard. This comes hours after the declaration of the JMP which accused the ruling party of attempting to create a security vacuum, and after troops’ confrontations with the republican guard in al-Mukalla. The possibility of defection made president Saleh discharge Major General Mohammed Ali Mohsen and

Major Thabet Jawwas who joined the protests demanded the fall of the regime. According to resources of the Yemeni ministry of defense, Major Ahmed Bin Breik has been appointed as a general brigadier of the eastern military district and commander of the 27th brigade and Colonel Hussein Masha’abah has been appointed as commander of Brigade number 15.

Continued From Page (1) tionaries, while the government’s control over Aden, Taiz, Ibb, al-Baida, and Mahweet remains tenuous. There has also been the blocking of and the theft of passing trucks by armed groups in Shabwa and Marib,

as many oil companies have stopped oil production. The Navy enhanced its forces around the LNG facilities in Balhaf, Shabwa, which had stopped exporting oil due to the chaos in Yemen. Due to the security chaos,

protest movements demanding the fall of the regime started to impose their control over 60% of the Yemeni state, according to some analysts. Yemeni citizens expressed their discontent with the Yemeni regime, which has

failed and lost its role and legitimacy in controlling the official media which gave the regime a chance to lie to people and contradicts the reality which is taking place on the ground in Yemen.

Abyan Radio Reportedly Managed By Al Qaeda Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has declared Abyan an Islamic emirate that is subjected to Al Qaeda authorities and a headquarters of its organization, the group announced on Wednesday. Al-Qaeda issued its ﬁrst statement, which was broadcast on Monday from Abyan’s Radio station which was taken over by their organization last Sunday along with the guest presidential palace, ammunition factory and militants and institutional entities in Khanfar district. They were also able to

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manage re-running the radio since Monday evening and started from Tuesday morning with sermons and jihads songs. This ﬁrst statement included a call to women restricting them from going out except for necessities. They also addressed instructions to citizens urging them to obey the authorities of the emirate and to cooperate with and provoke them against American agents and the corrupted regime. Media sources mentioned that Al-Qaeda groups that are taking Abyan districts as a

Fakhri Hassan Al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

Noah Browning Deputy Editor

main center for jihad existence in the Arabian Peninsula have carried out a series of extensive assistance of militias belonging to Hirak which managed to take over many parts of Abyan and have also been able to control large quantities of arms and ammunition, including heavy weapons and armored vehicles. Al-Qaeda is likely to expand its base into areas towards Shabwa where many if its ranks have succeeded in controlling vital areas. Same resources said that the same leaders of Al-Qaeda held Mohammed Al-Asaadi Editorial Consultant

a meeting Tuesday morning in Ja’ar which included personalities from different afﬁliations to manage the area’s affairs. They also mentioned a mediation that is going on among social ﬁgures, imams of mosques and the armed group which took over the radio station and palace and aiming to hand the palace and radio station to the national committees formed in the region. In the time where Al-Qaeda is working on expanding its base, Yemen is facing a big dilemma under the protests by opponents of President Saleh.

Fuad Al-Qadhi Business Editor

Shukri Hussein Abyan Correspondent

Jihan Anwar Staff Journalist

Naila Bamehriz Translator & Coordinator

The Facts As They Are

Mohammed Abdalaleem Shabwah Correspondent e-mail: info@nationalyemen.com website:www.nationalyemen.com address:al-qiada st.

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Will Carter Anatoly Kurmanaev Bushra Al-shareef Managing Editor Int’l Journalist Intern Translator

Saddam Alashmory Qasim Al-Hadi Akram Almosbahi Wardah Al-shawesh Hind Al-Eryani News Journalist SeniorTranslator Technical Director Graphic Designer P.R & Marketing Mohammed Anees

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

SOCIAL

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National Yemen

Abyan, The New Modern Homeland of Al-Qaeda By Shokri Husein The developing events of last week brought al-Qaeda to the main cities of Abyan governorate in the South, 35 kilometers away from Aden. Moreover, over 170 people

sula. The provincial capital of Zinjibar remains secured, but is not far away from the threat of al-Qaeda and the armed groups. Abyan, has been out of the

the loss of these cities, or the news that Ja’ar the second biggest city, fell by the hands of Islamist groups who took over control of the city last Saturday. The Islamist groups overran the political security campus as well the civil police station, as they surrounded the military post at the top of nearby Khanfar mountain, the presidential palace and the local radio broadcasting building.

‘‘ The soldiers were killed and hundreds injured at the explosion of military weapon factory. But despite this, Abyan continues to be known as a center of the youth revolution who called for changing the regime since two years ago, mainly with the start of al-Hirak movement. On July 23rd, 2009, 23 people were killed and ﬁfty injured when Tariq al-Fadhli called for the ﬁrst protests in Abyan. Last week the same story has been repeated to mark a new disaster against the civilian in the governorate of Abyan. The people in Ja’ar, Lawdar and Mudhia cities and the surrounding villages accused the security forces of handing over their areas to what is being called al-Qaeda in the Arabian Penin-

media spotlight, as well as out of the capital Sana’a’s control, like some other governorates in the North. In surprising news, Mudhia city in Abyan announced al-Qaeda’s taking over control of the central security campus, taking many heavy military weapons and small arms. The soldiers made it easy for al-Qaeda by leaving their positions quietly, which pushed al-Qaeda to announce that Lawdar, Mudhia, and al-Wadea – the homeland of Deputy President AbdulRabu Mansour Hadi – an Islamic emirate with an ambiguous absence of the security forces. This action raised many questions about the movement that is called al-Qaeda. The people could not believe

made it easy for al-Qaeda by leaving their positions quietly

The military forces made it easy for al-Qaeda to celebrate its victory to drive all military elements from the streets of Abyan without any apparent

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts turns the global switch. Company ﬁrst as all hotels sign up to green initiative. All 69 Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts globally have turned off exterior lights during Earth Hour on March 26. Some properties have

supported the environmental initiative in recent years, in line with the company’s Global Sustainability Programme, but this is the ﬁrst time that the entire

portfolio is participating. Jean Gabriel Pérès, President and CEO Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted that all our hotels and resorts will be participating in Earth Hour this year and it clearly demonstrates the importance with which we view environmental matters.” Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is aiming for 20 per cent of its hotels, resorts and cruises to be Green Globe Certiﬁed by the end of this year and all properties stamped with Green Globe credentials within two years. The strategy is part of a company-wide programme to establish a common and global approach to environmental, employer and social sustainability. Earth Hour started in Sydney in 2007, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness in support of the cause.

resistance. Later on, news agencies released the new statement issued by al-Qeada members in the Arabian peninsula that Abyan is an Islamic Emirate and they called women not to go out to the street without their men and that they should hold their identiﬁcation cards. On Monday morning, life was quite normal, but people were expecting a disaster after the news of al-Qeada’s withdrawal from the 7th October factory for manufacturing small arms. On the same day, citizens ran to the palace to take what is left after the departure of al-Qeada militants. Poverty pushed them to die in a miserable way, as some were left in small pieces as a result of the explosion in the factory. Some families were dead in groups and in others, only a few children were left alive. One Hundred and seventy passed away and tens are injured and they are in Aden’s hospitals. The government had a different reaction on the explosion,

accusing al-Qaeda members of killing the poor people. But sadness overtook the whole governorate, over the lack of responsibility over the faulty protection of the military factory. The people said that some officials at the government offices wanted al-Qaeda to show off and move freely for crass political reasons. People continued their anger against the government in ignoring the disaster by expressing no official statement for the victims. This is while president sent his personal condolences to the family of the person who killed himself for hearing the news of Saleh will step down. The people in Abyan called it an instance of clear discrimination among the citizens of Yemen. The new governor of Abyan, Brigadier General Saleh Husein al-Zawari, ex-deputy interior minister, who first accused the security and military officials in the governorate of responsibility for the sad event. He called for investigating

Brigadier General Saleh Husein al-Zawari the matter in a meeting of local authorities where he came to accuse Islamic groups of responsibility for what happened. But only two days later the governor came to contradict with his first statement, which reveals the misunderstandings and confusion in of the government. The factory dated back to the early seventies during the rule of former Southern President Salem Robea Ali. In 1972, the factory was built by Chinese experts as a results of the good relations between South Yemen and the Communist bloc. The factory was operating by a Yemeni hands, 70% of which were women. Later after the summer civil war in 1994, the factory witnessed serious neglect, as many of the employees were dismissed, and corruption spiked as ownership was transferred to a personal firm. Lately Korean experts operated the factory for the benefit of the military forces in Abyan. Last Sunday, a day before the tragic blasts, al-Qaeda took the vast majority of its weapons.

National Yemen

REPORT

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

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A Comedian’s Take: Youth of Change Square Continue to Reject Saleh By Fakhri Al-Arashi All the initiatives of President Saleh have been totally rejected both by the opposition parties and by what is being called the revolutionary youth of change square in Yemen. For Seven weeks, the volume is gradually being increased against Saleh, calling for him to dismiss his family members from key positions and to step down according to the youth’s demands. National Yemen had a chance to investigate the attitudes of some individuals on the ground of change square, and how they plan their day to sustain their enthusiasm and, ultimately, achieve their mission. The change square nearby Sana’a University became the favorite place for many people to express their attitudes of the ongoing situation. At the Friday Qat session, more than 35 people of different ages were gathering for this social habit of Yemenis in a corner that did not exceed four meters square. They discussed their interest in making change as well expressing themselves with their friends and relatives. The tent is owned and financed by a group of well-educated young people. The ten name is important illustration of the number of disasters and failed initiatives throughout the past 32 years since Saleh take over power in Yemen. Like many other tents in the square, written upon it was “No parties nor partisanship, our revolution is a youth revolution.” This was the slogan of the so-called Friday of departure among all tents. Talking to one or hundred attendees, you come up with the same answers that insistently agreed that Saleh should leave Yemen sooner than later. The protestors believe that Yemen will be safer and better with a new government which would offer them a higher standard of living and new opportunities for investment that would promise a better tomorrow. Mohammed al-Udra’ee, a well-known star comedian to the Yemeni community, is distinguishing himself with his aggressive style against the regime. Counting down the days of the president, he said, “I’ve been here for five weeks and I will not leave this place till

Saleh step down. My kids are waiting for me and he should understand that.” “We never encouraged violence against soldiers and we will not allow corrupted hands to steal our revolution. I have been injured in the last bloody Friday on March 18th, when professional security snipers killed 52 martyrs of our brothers. “Those corrupted or criminals personalities who joined the change square will be questioned for their crimes and they have already apologized and announced their support to the youth,” said al-Udraee. “The president was totally dishonest in his talk about the “corrupted hands”, because he should be talking about himself and his entourage who participated in the awful Friday crime. “We advise Saleh to reveal the identities of the criminals rather than accusing neighborhood dwellers or the Houthis. The President and his intelligence security have trained snipers for this day. “For more than 32 years Saleh, continuously created new crises to keep the people and the international community busy with emergent crises. “He is skilled at increasing the number of poor people,

destroying economy, fighting investors and misusing the resources of Yemen. He should resign for making us poorer and poorer during his long stay in power. “The new transitional government should consist of five member, four civilians and one from the military side. The ruling party will collapse and their current leaders are looking to form a new ruling party. Saleh is seeking any kind of opportunity to stay in power, but he is a little too shy to say it in public.

‘‘

“For the sheikhs, party leaders, and other decisionmakers, they cannot talk on our behalf and they want to over control the change square”

“The people who still back Saleh are the old people in villages who compare his ruling period to the imamate era or those who derive direct benefit from his position in power,” said al-Udra’ee. According to the comedian, who delivered his withering criticism in characteristic ironic style, the president has created more local conflicts among tribes, terrorism, and wars. “Neighboring countries and the international donors are behind the structure of power in Yemen, and the president gets his commission.” said al-Udra’ee. “Usually revolutions started by revolutionary people and it sustain and protected by educated, politician and so on” Said alUdra’ee. The revaluation approached the end and become more comprehensive than before. Those who says they start before others they are not better than martyrs who sacrifice themselves for the success of the revolution. “The ruling party is trying create a conflict among the youth by using his methods and styles to publish news here or there about the disagreements over ideology, or that the events are being monopolized by the Islah party, and that they have supposedly taken over the

media. “There is one committee and those who issue individual statements sometimes don’t properly seek consensus. The misunderstanding of a common platform is because this is the first time for the youth to arrange such protests.” “We are here as if we are home and I spend most of my time visiting the protestors and encouraging them to be patient. Throughout the night, me and other comedians entertain protestors and I have produced special skits for the revolution. “No one can say how long it will take or when it will end. What we are looking for is to achieve the objective of our revolution. It’s a peaceful revolution.” “The president did not announce directly when he will quit, and he is a big sneak. Dismissing the government is a game to help him stay longer – he is not legitimate, and he enlisted people, the law, and authority for his own personal use. “The president is arrogant and he is not like Bin Ali or Hosni Mubarak – his problem is that he listens to the wrong information from his entourage. “The Americans back Saleh and he is their agent.

They want him to feel safe, but they know that he will fall shortly. “For the sheikhs, party leaders, and other decisionmakers, they cannot talk on our behalf and they want to over control the change square. “In the era of Saleh there was no unity.” Ali Salam al-Beidh is the one who accepted to make the unity happen. In spite of the later bad will of al-Beid in the war of summer 1994.

“The two million who have gathered last Friday are all the supporters of Saleh and they are the same group who elected him in 2006. Saleh has tasked the military to solidify his supposed legitimacy.” As for Ali Muhsin, we know that he loves the president and he usually backed up Saleh in times of crisis, after the current dispute and the direct killing to the protestors, Mohsin resigned from the ruling party and he decided to protect the protestors. “Suadi Arabia attacked the soldiers in Sada’a with the approval of Saleh. The Houthis were created by Saleh and they are not as the President describes them to the public. “It’s known that Ali Mohsin fought the Houthis bravely with his solders, not Saleh or his sons.” “I will return home once Saleh steps down, we do not have jobs and the TV and Radio they could not give us the right opportunities. If there will be a new president, we will have new opportunities.” I believe in partisanship, and partisanship better serves our interests. I do not believe that the new government will kick out the old employees, or that the opposition parties will have a civil service that will do the job.”

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

National Yemen

SPECIAL

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Houthis Control Sa’ada, Help Appoint Governor Alleged arms dealer Fares Mana’a was appointed Sa’ada governor, north of Yemen. after his joining forces with the Huthi rebels there, pledging allegiance to them and resigning from the GPC membership with a number of notable persons of Sa’ada. The former ally of the ruling pary made a commitment to the field commander Abu Ali, who was assigned as a leader of the security belt in the governorate, by which the latter ceded control of Dahyan city. Local journalist Khaled Alharithi, said that the move came after the Huthis’ victory over the al-Abdin tribes, whose Sheikh Uthman Mujalli is a major local ally of the state. The Huthis appeared to dominate the reins of power and governance in the province of Saada in northern Yemen.

Sa’ada witnessed crucial battles between tribes loyal to the president led by Sheikh Uthman Mujalli and caused in the death of 45, injury from both sides, as well as the destruction of 13 houses. The Huthis gained control of a number of machine guns, mortar shells, guns and tanks from the Telmus military site overlooking the city of Saada. Also, they are reported to have seized sixteen cars as they demolished Uthman Mujalli’s house and burned it along with his possessions with a number of buildings. Fares Mana’a said in a phone call to his office that his appointment as the new Sa’ada governor came after the departure of the former governor Taha Hajar, who had been appointed by the president. Fares Mana’a is one of the most prominent arms dealers in the Middle East and was a

loyal ally to the president and his regime in Sa’ada throughout the previous six wars. But Mana’a’s relationship with the president was marred by tension since he came to Sana’a, where he was detained for months and then released and then worked to extend his influence in Sa’ada with his strong ties with notables and sheikhs in Sa’ada through a block included them and was led by him under the name of the National Peace Conference. The Huthis have run the local authorities in the governorate since the last two days amid the Yemeni army and troops from the Central Security, who remain stationed in the area. The Huthis also installed new military points at the entrances and exits of the city of Saada manned by their ranks.

Deal On Saleh’s Departure Appears Deadlocked Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Saturday he was preparedo step down if allowed a dignified departure, but the opposition accused him of maneuvering to hold on to power. Earlier Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi told Reuters a deal to transfer power peacefully could emerge shortly based on an offer by Saleh to quit by the end of the year. But a deal did not appear imminent since government opponents had hardened their demands. “I could leave power … even in a few hours, on condition of maintaining dignity and prestige,” Saleh told Al Arabiya TV, adding that he would remain in charge of the ruling party even if stood down. “I have to take the country to safe shores … I’m holding on to power in order to hand it over peaceably … I’m not looking for a home in Jeddah or Paris,” he said. Yemen, a poor and tribally divided country that has become a base for al-Qaeda next to the world’s top oil producer Saudi Arabia, has been in upheaval since January when the example of the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions set off popular demonstrations to end Saleh’s 32-year rule. Talks have been under way on two tracks to hash out the details of a deal on a peaceful transition of power. But the leader of Yemen’s opposition coalition said the sides still had significant differences, and that while there were some contacts he did not consider them as negotiations. “We still have a very big gap,” said Yassin Noman, the rotating head of Yemen’s opposition coalition. “I think he (Saleh) is maneuvering.” Issues Remain Yemeni political sources said some issues that could hold up a deal were whether the opposition would give guarantees not to pursue Saleh and his family legally. Saleh opponents also want to be sure

his close relatives leave positions of power. “I hope it (agreement) will be today, before tomorrow,” Qirbi told Reuters in an interview, adding that the time frame of a transfer of power could be negotiated. Saleh, who oversaw the 1990 unification of north and south Yemen and emerged victorious from a civil war four years later, told tribes in Sanaa on Saturday that he would “work to avoid bloodshed using all possible means”. “President Saleh is willing to look at all possibilities, as long as there are really serious commitments by the JMP (opposition) to come and initiate a serious dialogue between them and the ruling party,” Qirbi said. But an opposition leader cast doubt on prospects for a swift accord and a Sanaa diplomat cautioned it was too soon to discuss an outcome, saying it could “go either way”. Qirbi said discussions were focusing on the time frame of a transition, among other issues. “I think the time period is something that can be negotiated. It shouldn’t be really an obstacle to reach an agreement”. “I think things are very close if the real intention is really to reach an agreement. But if there are parties who want to obstruct it then of course one cannot predict.” Saleh, speaking to Arabiya television, confirmed that meetings had taken place in the past two days that included a discussion about a presidential address to parliament. “There was a meeting yesterday and the day before … to discuss ways to end the crisis,” Saleh told Arabiya. Saleh said the U.S. ambassador was present at talks in the past two days and that he would welcome Saudi or Gulf mediation. But he was scathing about the opposition, who he said were mainly socialists and Islamists trying to seize power on the back of the youth protest movement. “They are a minority. They

can organize a march of 20,000 people? I can get two or three million. How can a minority twist the arm of the majority?” he said. Political Duel Saleh has responded to the mass protests with a violent crackdown and a series of concessions, all rebuffed by opposition parties, including one this week to transfer power after the drafting of a new constitution and parliamentary and presidential elections by the end of the year. Western countries are concerned that al-Qaeda militants could take advantage

of any power vacuum arising from a rocky transition if Saleh, a U.S. and Saudi ally fighting for his political life, steps down after 32 years in office. Analysts have said Saleh’s role as a key U.S. anti-Qaeda ally has likely contributed to Washington’s relatively muted response to deadly crackdowns on pro-democracy protests in Yemen. A report in Saturday’s Washington Post newspaper cited U.S. officials as saying their intelligence agencies thought al-Qaeda’s Yemenbased branch could be close to launching an attack in a bid to capitalize on the unrest.

The tide against Saleh appears to have turned after plainclothes snipers loyal to the president fired into an anti-government crowd, killing 52 people on March 17. That led to a series of defections that eroded Saleh’s position including by top military commanders such as General Ali Mohsen, as well as ambassadors, lawmakers, provincial governors and tribal leaders, some from his own tribe. Mohsen, considered the second strongest man in Yemen and a regional army commander who has vowed to defend the protesters, is leading efforts to form a transi-

tional council grouping all sides, according to sources close to the secret negotiations. Saleh said the defections came mainly from among Islamists of the Muslim Brotherhood and some had returned to his side. He said Mohsen had been acting emotionally because of Friday’s bloodshed but that security forces were not behind the deaths. “It was 41 people (who died), I heard. Their identity is unknown … The Yemenis are snipers, they are all snipers, all trained in weapons,” he joked on Al Arabiya. “A group has been arrested. They are being investigated and will face justice.”

Continued From Page (1) resignation. Thousands of protesters continued sit-ins in the capital, the southern port city of Aden, Taiz, 200 km (125 miles) south of Sanaa, and other cities. Protesters in Aden called for a general strike and acts of civil disobedience, closing down public transport and prompting many shops to close. Troops fired in the air to disperse young people blocking roads, witnesses said.

Saleh wants to stay on as president while new parliamentary and presidential elections are organised by the end of the year, an opposition source told Reuters on Tuesday. Talks over his exit have stalled and Saudi authorities have deflected Yemeni government efforts to involve them in mediation. Rallies could spiral into violence at any time in the turbulent Arabian Peninsula state where more than half the

23 million population own a gun. Some 82 people have been killed so far, including 52 shot by snipers on March 18. Rows often turn to bloodshed, from tribal clashes over dwindling water resources to army skirmishes with separatist militants in the south. Washington has long regarded Saleh as a bulwark of stability who can keep al Qaeda from extending its foothold in Yemen, a country which many see as close to

disintegration. Saleh has talked of civil war if he steps down without ensuring power passes to "safe hands" and has warned against a coup after senior generals turned against him. Opposition parties say they can handle the militant issue better than Saleh, who they say has made deals in the past to avoid provoking Yemen's Islamists. courtesy Reuters

National Yemen

OPINION

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

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In Yemen, Is It The End? By Dr. Murad Alazzany, A professor in Sana’a University Since the incident of last Friday, in which over fifty people were shot dead and one hundred were left wounded, events in Yemen have kept undergoing dramatic changes. As much as it was horrifying, it drew a strong nationwide condemnation. Consequently, it happened to put the president under steadily growing pressure. The pressure increases as prominent cabinet ministers, top officers, parliamentary members, and government officers and journalists kept announcing their resignations and solidarity with the revolution. The list continues to grow, and the president’s repeated denials of the security forces’ involvement do not convince. However, the most dramatic development in the political scenario of Yemen was when Major General Ali Mohsin, the head of the Northwestern military zone and the head of the first armored division, announced his joining and support of the youth revolutionary movement. In a recorded speech aired on Aljazeera TV, he declared the deployment of his army units to protect the protesting youth. The General’a announcement resonated powerfully throughout the country. This is due to his proximity to Saleh. He has always been called the right-hand of Saleh and the most important pillar of support for his rule. He even had the distinction of being behind the Saleh’s rise into power in 1978 and the victory of the northern forces against the separatists in 1994. However, during his military life as a top army general, Ali Mohsin managed to widen his control over many military institutions. It is well-known that members of the army units under his command are more loyal to him than to the president or the country. At the same time, he managed to utilize his influence to build strong alliances with many tribal chiefs in the northern and southern parts of Yemen, and most significantly to create a strong alliance with the leaders of the Islamic Islah party. That is why this man could survive the eliminations that have reached many senior top military men in the past two decades by the president. Being aware of his prominence, Yemenis received the news of Mohsin ‘ssupport for the youth movement with a mix of joy and awe. They knew that his support will open a wide door for more support for the revolutionary protest. In turn, that will create more cracks in the regime in a way that weakens Saleh and forces him to relinquish power. There is much truth to the theory holding that the defection of the Major will likely followed by that of many

military generals. Such a phenomenon worries many Yemenis amid whispers of a possible coup. They fear that their revolution might be hijacked by military men as they earlier feared a hijacking by tribal sheikhs. But their fear was dissipated by the fact that the major is a shadowy person who seldom appears on TV. He has the military skill to make a good army leader but not the political dexterity to make a president. He is just needed now to fill any the vacuum power ensuing from Saleh’s fall and to play the role of Tantawi of Egypt. That is, to replicate his steps in preparing for a civil government in the postrevolutionary phase. In a sense, Major Ali Mohsin can play a significant role in writing the Yemeni revolution’s success and in preventing the country from descending into chaos and turmoil. The defection of General Mohsin represents a new threat for Saleh which seems not to have expected. It means a serious split of the army which is the only card Saleh has left to maneuver with his political rivals. But it seems that President Saleh has not tired in trying to find a solution for the crisis that may end his rule soon. The resignations of dozens of government officials and the defection of many military generals have shaken his inner circle but have not dented his aplomb. Surprisingly, he still appears more defiant than responsive to the clamoring demands for his ouster that have spread all over the country. Many Yemenis worry that

his defiance and persistence to stay in power will drive the country into a civil war. Their worries increased when the defence Minister, Brigadier General Muhmmad Nasir Ali appeared on TV to declare the loyalty of the armed forces to the President and to the state, and not to allow any coup attempt against legitimacy and democracy. The statement by the defence minister shattered the expectations engendered by Mohsin’s defection, and its potential to lead to a graceful exit for Mr Saleh. It rather underscored the appearance of a serious split in the military.

‘‘ They fear that their revolution might be hijacked by military men as they earlier feared a hijacking by tribal sheikhs

The removal of Saleh has become inevitable. However,

Saleh is misreading the situation — it seems that the president has not fully comprehended the Tunisian and Egyptian lessons. Just like bin Ali and Mubarak, his concessions are made under the pressure of the protest and not out of his will to make fundamental political and economical reforms in the country. Earlier, when the protest was in its nascent stage, the president defiantly rejected a proposal of five points presented by the coalition of opposition parties through influential religious clerics and tribal sheikhs. That proposal represented a golden opportunity for Saleh to end weeks of unrest and protest all over the country. The president carelessly rejected it. Now when the protests’ fervor has become stronger and the events accelerated further, the president accepted the proposal he rejected two weeks ago. He appeared willing to leave power in six months but after a parliamentary election. But such an offer was rejected swiftly by the opposition. It is viewed as too little and too late to meet the youths’ aspirations and demands. The president has lost his knack to manipulate his political opponents. Any concession he makes at the moment will unravel after the bloodshed that led to the defection of top army generals and dozens of government functionaries. There is no viable option for him but to step down and leave office soon. Otherwise he will face more isolation as the landscape of the opposition is increasingly widening on his account – as for now it is attracting more supporters and reaching places which

have previously been immune to the anti-government protests. It is definitive now that shooting any more of the peaceful protesters will easily spell the end of Saleh. If he is relying on the army units left under his son’s command, he is committing the most fatal mistake in his reign. Those units will not stand for long, they may witness a flood of resignation and defection in the coming days. And even if they stand, they cannot use force against the protesting youth. Such a possibility increases by the Fatwa which is issued by a group of religious clerics by which they forbid soldiers obeying the orders of killing peaceful protesters. If they do, they will open a door for bloody skirmishes that will never stop. In Yemen, the state does not maintain a monopoly on violence. Weapons are widely available and the level of literacy is very low. Conflicts are oftenly decided by force. But in such cases more blood may spill before the standoff is resolved. That makes the possibility of being driven into a civil war very high. Mr. Saleh is really in a pathetic situation. He resists facing the same fate of Mubarak and Bin Ali and at the same time warning us of the Libyan scenario. He threatens Yemenis with the possibility of a civil war ensuing from his removal. Such a scare tactic is seen as attempt to portray himself as the only one who can rule a united Yemen. He kept warning of the various groups that have recently joined the opposition. That is, the secessionists in the south and the Houthi rebels at the north. He is right

Dr. Murad Alazzany to a certain extent when he said these groups are fractious and only united around the goal of his ouster. Such movements have not abandoned their agendas but have merely frozen them. There is a likelihood that they will not remain united once Saleh is deposed. But it must be realized that the movement of the youth is the strongest now on the ground and its voice is the loudest. In those rallying points of change and freedom a civil society is in the process of being formed. This society becomes a model for all Yemenis aspiring to see the values of justice, equality and freedom prevail. Any popular movement that does not pronounce its conviction of these principles will be marked an enemy of the revolution. It must be noted too that as the youth could topple the regime, they will be able to topple any agenda not conforming with these revolution principals. Saleh might be curious to know who is going to be the president after him. He might be concerned about the future of the country and may be about his own and family’s future. However the right thing he can do now is to let the people decide the future of their own volition.

Sunday, Apr. 3, 2011 Issue 38

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