UNREST IN YEMEN:IN AN improvident show of defiance, President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Saturday officially rejected proposals put forward by the political opposition aimed at bringing to an end growing civil unrest across the country.
Following three days of political wrangling, Mr Saleh reiterated that he would remain until presidential elections in 2013, despite the opposition’s suggestion he hand over power by the end of the year. A statement released by the presidential office described the offer as “mysterious and unclear”, while accusing the opposition of going against the constitution. It appeared to close the door on dialogue and raised fears of consequential tribal unrest.
While the coalition of opposition parties, the JMP, appointed a new leader, Yassin Saeed Noman – a popular politician among anti-government protesters – from the country’s marginalised southern community and a leader of the Yemeni Socialist Party, the ruling General People’s Congress party (GPC) continued to flounder.
The ever-powerful band of al-Ahmar brothers served another blow to Mr Saleh on Saturday as two more of the 10 family members joined the growing exodus from the GPC. A total of 21 politicians have so far abandoned the president’s party. The move by deputy culture minister Yahya al-Ahmar and deputy minister for youth and sport Hashid al-Ahmar added to speculation that the al-Ahmar men, fronted by outspoken Islah Party leader Hamid, are regrouping for an opportunity to seize power.
Amid the growing political uncertainty several western embassies called on their expatriates residing in Yemen to leave the country. On Saturday the British embassy in Sana’a advised all of its citizens to leave the country “by the commercial options currently available”.
In the absence of diplomatic representation in Yemen the British contingent in Sana’a has also taken responsibility for several other Commonwealth and European nationals, including Irish citizens.
“We’re in a situation where things could kick off at any time,” said British ambassador Jonathan Wilks.
In addition the UK foreign office upgraded travel warnings, advising against all travel to Yemen, a measure already put in place by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs.
Any emergency evacuation of citizens is complicated by the presence of Yemen’s al-Qaeda insurgency in several provinces east and south of the capital.
Similar advice was yesterday issued by the US state department as five Yemeni soldiers were killed in an al-Qaeda attack in the province of Marib, 105 miles east of the capital, according to a government statement.