Unity Day: What does it mean to you?
President says dialogue open for all without exception - welcomes Houthis, women, youth
“We want the National Dialogue to lay the foundations for a new Yemen through the participation of everyone without exception - in Yemen or Yemenis abroad,” Hadi said, indicating that the proposed, mid-November conversations will be focused on the future of the political system. Additionally it will highlight the Southern issue and work to create a fair solution for the South's objections.
Hadi asserted that Yemen has passed through the tunnel of the volcano’s precipice by means of Yemenis’ wisdom and the support of friendly countries, although there are many obstacles and personal conflicts. Hadi called on the Houthis, the opposition abroad, women, the Civil Society Organization and the youth to take part in the dialogue.
He also affirmed that changes will progress in order to achieve important transitional adjustments. An end to the sharp rifts in the military and security forces was called for, as well as the restructuring of the government so that its loyalty is to God, the nation and the people, not to individuals, families or political parties.
Hadi called on neighboring countries and patrons of the Gulf Initiative to support Yemen in order to ease its current crisis and help avoid the possibility of war and fighting.
He hopes the dialogue will be the broadest political participation in Yemen's modern history.
“Everyone has the right to take part in the National Dialogue so as to discuss the wording of the new constitution, resolve the issue of the state restructure, agree on the shape of the political system, examine the Southern issue, reform judiciary and civil services, realize national reconciliation and transitional justice, establish sustainable programs and plans of social and economic development and stride towards a complete democratic state,” Hadi said.
In response to the anniversary of the October Revolution, the President said, “The October Revolution is one of the most important events in the history of Yemen. Moreover, it is one of the most important revolutions in the world. It had a grand impact on changing the balance of powers in the world. It was the genuine end of colonialism’s epoch.”
He went on to say, “The youth are the nucleus of change. We largely consider their demands and aspirations in order to fulfill their future ambitions towards a bright new Yemen based on a modern civil state and social justice. Without a doubt, we all believe that the change erupted by the youth came to renew the originality of the national system, the constitution and laws and give them status, value and respect.”
Hadi concluded his speech by saying, “We thank the Military Affairs Committee for their great national efforts. Their efforts helped achieve important steps in line with an action plan, athough the committee’s responsibility is complicated and thorny. We urge the committee members to continue their efforts accurately and honestly in order to comprehensively recover the trust and the [sense of] team spirit amongst the military and security forces.”
Abdulbari Taher, a writer and a political analyst, commented on Hadi’s speech, “We should take into consideration the circumstances of the President because he took office in a very unstable situation and a polarized nation. The two current conflicting sides have dominated the country for 33 years.”
He added, “Ali Abdullah Saleh was at the front of the political system. However, he was a soldier in the tribe, not a true ruler.”
“These powers have divided in order to escape a peaceful revolution and make it divert from its true direction just as they did with the September Revolution. These powers now hinder a peaceful revolution, and they don’t want a political solution. These powers are the major hurdle in front of Hadi's rule.”
Taher indicated that the patrons of the Gulf Initiative have not taken any strict measures to deter those wishing to derail political reconciliation in Yemen.
