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Yemeni tribes convene over political stalemate

Arab World Materials 16 August 2011 16:42 (UTC +04:00)
At least 4,000 representatives from different tribes across Yemen were to convene Tuesday in Sana'a to take unified steps towards the political stabilization of the country.
Yemeni tribes convene over political stalemate

At least 4,000 representatives from different tribes across Yemen were to convene Tuesday in Sana'a to take unified steps towards the political stabilization of the country, DPA reported.

"The move comes out of responsibility for tribes to solve the crisis of the country if political parties are unable to do so," members of the preparatory committee of the conference said late Monday in a press conference.

They added that "the conference will come up with significant proposals that will not prejudice any party."

For over six months, Yemen has been facing political stagnation after President Ali Abdullah Saleh refused to endorse a Gulf initiative that would have secured a peaceful transfer of power within the framework of the constitution.

The conference precedes an earlier announcement by the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), a coalition of five opposition parties, that it will set up an umbrella National Council on August 18 to "lead the revolution forces ahead to fulfill Yemeni people's aspirations."

Tension continues to rise as government spokesman, Abdu al-Janadi has dubbed the announcement of the National Council by the opposition "a call for war."

The political dialogue among Yemeni parties are being led by the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), and a UN special envoy, Jamal Benomar, is representing the UN in seeking a solution to the unrest.

After a two month freeze for the Gulf initiative, Saleh is demanding that two of his rivals, also senior members of his Hashid tribe, leave the country as a condition to signing the Gulf initiative.

Fighting between government security forces and al-Ahmar's supporters broke out last May, after Saleh refused to sign the Gulf-brokered deal.

Since mid-February, millions of Yemenis have been taking to the streets demanding Saleh's ouster. Around 400 were killed in government crackdown on demonstrators.

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