YEMEN:SANAA – Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh, hoping to defuse increasingly violent protests against his 32-year rule, said yesterday he would draw up a new constitution to create a parliamentary system of government.
An opposition spokesman rejected the proposal and called for the continuation of anti-government rallies, which since January have resulted in almost 30 deaths.
Impoverished Yemen is one of several Arab states that have seen mass protests this year, with Mr Saleh looking increasingly weakened by the unrest.
Speaking to thousands of cheering supporters in a stadium, the autocrat said he wanted to form a unity government to help put in place a new political system.
“Firstly we will form a new constitution based on the separation of powers. A referendum on this new constitution will be held before the end of this year,” he said, speaking beneath a large portrait of himself. “I’m already sure that this initiative won’t be accepted by the opposition, but in order to do the right thing I am offering this to the people, and they will decide,” he added.
As water and oil resources dry up, it has become increasingly difficult for Mr Saleh to fuel the patronage system that kept his tribal and political backers loyal.
The president of Yemen’s opposition coalition, Yassin Noman, said his plan was too little, too late. “These proposals have been overtaken by realities on the ground,” he said. “Had the ruling party offered this six months ago, it would have been different. It’s too late now.” – (Reuters)
