Barran Press
Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, son of the late Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, delivered a speech on Saturday, August 24th, marking the 42nd anniversary of the General People's Congress (GPC) party. He called for national unity and urged the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to focus on rebuilding the country and addressing the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Saleh, who is also the former ambassador to the UAE, emphasized that the GPC "will not stand weeping over the ruins of the past or with folded arms in the face of its national duty." He asserted that the party has a "vision and a proactive role alongside the good people to restore the state, achieve peace, and build a strong Yemen under the banner of revolution, republic, and unity."
His speech, delivered at a ceremony in Marib, highlighted the GPC's resilience despite the challenges and hardships it has faced in recent years. He described the party as "the tough figure that cannot be bypassed and a permanent presence in the political scene and the nation's journey."
Saleh went on to suggest that achieving stability, peace, and a strong Yemen requires national forces to come together, overcome the past, and open a new chapter. He urged the Presidential Leadership Council, the government, and all constitutional institutions to prioritize rebuilding state institutions, addressing the people's needs, and alleviating their suffering.
"It is time for the nation to gather its scattered pieces, regain its capabilities, and achieve its desired launch in the context of security and peace, far from all conflicts of blood and destruction, and in positive cooperation with its brothers and friends," he concluded.
Significantly, Saleh's speech made no mention of the Houthis, who have been internationally designated as a terrorist group. This omission is notable given the Houthis' recent pressure on the GPC's Sana'a branch to expel Saleh from his position as deputy party leader. Sources within the GPC have reported that the Houthis are attempting to leverage the anniversary celebration to push for Saleh's removal.
The Houthis' pressure stems from Saleh's recent statements following the removal of his and his father's names from the UN Security Council's sanctions list. In his first statement after the sanctions were lifted, Saleh expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Presidential Leadership Council for their efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to peace and national unity.
This latest development underscores the ongoing tensions between the GPC and the Houthis, as well as the challenges facing efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Yemen.