SANA'A // Yemen’s long-time president, Ali Abdullah Salah, agreed yesterday to a GCC proposal that he step down within 30 days in exchange for immunity to prosecution.
The announcement late last night signals a major about-face for the autocratic leader who has ruled for 32 years, and a major victory for the opposition movement that has suffered at least 120 deaths since anti-government demonstrations began in January.
Officials from the protest movement said yesterday that they also accepted the latest draft of the deal, but with reservations.
Yemeni state television reported yesterday that the government’s acceptance of the GCC plan had been delivered by the foreign minister, Abubakr al Qirbi, to the GCC secretary general, Abdulatif al Zayani.
The GCC plan calls for Mr Saleh to hand power to his vice president one month after signing the proposal. He would appoint an opposition leader to lead an interim cabinet charged with preparing presidential elections two months later.
The plan, presented on Thursday, also gives immunity from prosecution to Mr Saleh, his family and aides while his opponents would agree to end protests. The plan has been welcomed by the main opposition coalition, the six-party Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), according to JMP spokesman Mohammed Kahtan.
“We feel there is no minimum trust between us and the president and so we cannot take part in a government under his leadership,” said Mr Khatan.
“We will take part in the interim government after Saleh resigns 30 days after the signing of the GCC plan and under the new temporary president,” he added.
Youth organisations and anti-government hardliners at the protest squares, however, had earlier said they would not welcome any mediation plans that did not mandate the immediate departure of Mr Saleh.
Speaking to an audience of military students in Sana’a yesterday, Mr Saleh blasted his rivals for attempting to drag the country into civil war.
“Security, safety and stability are in Yemen’s interests and the interests of the region. Any negative consequences will affect the security of the region,” he said.
Mr Saleh criticised the government and military officers who defected from his regime to join the protests, accusing them of being cowards. His statement comes after reports that dozens of security officers and soldiers were arrested on Friday after they joined the anti-Saleh protests.
Meanwhile, protests continued yesterday in Taiz where thousands marched in the streets. In Aden, about 90 per cent of businesses and government institutions, including schools and universities, were closed in response to calls for a general strike and acts of civil disobedience, according to local sources. The general strike was also in place in the cities of Lahj, Taiz and Ibb.
malqadhi@thenational.ae
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
FIXTURES
Thursday
Dibba v Al Dhafra, Fujairah Stadium (5pm)
Al Wahda v Hatta, Al Nahyan Stadium (8pm)
Friday
Al Nasr v Ajman, Zabeel Stadium (5pm)
Al Jazria v Al Wasl, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (8pm)
Saturday
Emirates v Al Ain, Emirates Club Stadium (5pm)
Sharjah v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Sharjah Stadium (8pm)
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Company%20Profile
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
FIGHT CARD
Sara El Bakkali v Anisha Kadka (Lightweight, female)
Mohammed Adil Al Debi v Moaz Abdelgawad (Bantamweight)
Amir Boureslan v Mahmoud Zanouny (Welterweight)
Abrorbek Madaminbekov v Mohammed Al Katheeri (Featherweight)
Ibrahem Bilal v Emad Arafa (Super featherweight)
Ahmed Abdolaziz v Imad Essassi (Middleweight)
Milena Martinou v Ilham Bourakkadi (Bantamweight, female)
Noureddine El Agouti v Mohamed Mardi (Welterweight)
Nabil Ouach v Ymad Atrous (Middleweight)
Nouredin Samir v Zainalabid Dadachev (Lightweight)
Marlon Ribeiro v Mehdi Oubahammou (Welterweight)
Brad Stanton v Mohamed El Boukhari (Super welterweight
The biog
Favourite film: The Notebook
Favourite book: What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Favourite quote: “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness” Nelson Madela. Hometown: Emmen, The Netherlands
Favourite activities: Walking on the beach, eating at restaurants and spending time with friends
Job: Founder and Managing Director of Mawaheb from Beautiful Peopl
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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The%20Specs
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
Drishyam 2
Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
Rating: 4 stars
In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')
Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')
Company%20Profile
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