Saleh Calls for Power Transfer

Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh called for a peaceful transfer of power through early parliamentary and presidential elections. Saleh urged his vice president to start engaging with Yemen’s opposition in order to sign a transition deal, as he is committed to the Gulf initiative for power transfer in Yemen. President Saleh also addressed the renewed violence in Yemen, stating that “This bloodbath will not get you power,” and blamed the violence on al-Qaeda.

Mahjoob Zweiri, an expert on Middle East affairs from Qatar University, is not certain this announcement will appease the opposition. ”I am not sure it will please people in Sanaa. What they were waiting  for was his resignation. This kind of labelling might lead to more confrontation,” stated Zweiri. A freelance journalist reported a very negative mood in Change Square, as people are unconvinced by Saleh’s promise.

Just hours before Saleh’s speech, more violence broke out as forces loyal to the government targeted protesters, killing at least 5 people. In a press statement from the U.S. State Department, Victoria Nuland stated “The Yemeni government must immediately address the democratic aspirations of its people. The Yemeni people have made clear their desire for a peaceful and orderly transition that is responsive to their calls for peace, reconciliation, prosperity, and security,” and urged for a full transfer of power with full parliamentary and presidential elections.