President Saleh’s Speech to the Nation

A month after the attack on his Presidential Palace, embattled Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, addressed his nation in a televised appearance from his hospital room in Saudi Arabia. This is the transcript of his speech:

“I would to convey my sincere thanks to all the Yemeni people inside and outside the country, men and women, youth and old for their patience and their endurance on what happened in the first Friday of Rajab [June 3rd] by the terrorist groups.

The Yemeni people are steadfast, and will remain steadfast against all kinds of challenges targeting its security and stability. And which targets freedom, democracy, security and stability.

Many have understood democracy the wrong way. Through wrong practices, like blocking the path of oil tankers, gas and diesel. And disturbing the peace. Those who are demanding the right to share, the right of partnerships.

We believe in partnerships but within the constitution and law. We welcome democracy on democratic bases and on the Yemeni republic constitution which was based on political pluralism and political parties and the opinion and other opinion.

But we see that this is the one opinion while the other opinion calls for bandit practices and blocking roads and scaring people and disturbing the people’s peace.

There must be a political revision without sympathizing with one side or nepotism. Because this constitution was created amidst two extreme systems one in the north and the other in the south and the southern system wanted to impose its own constitution thinking it will be the winner. And the north wanted to impose its own constitution and also thinks it will be the winner. Today is like then.

Where are the educated and intellectual men and women? Where are the honest men? Where are the believers who fear God? Why don’t they stand with dialogue? Stand dialogue and with reaching satisfactory solutions?

We are not against sharing. We are with sharing with all the political entities whether ruling or opposition but on a program that the people agree on.

People must agree on a common program for all the Yemeni people and not demand their own point of view and twisting arms.

I again send my greetings to all Yemeni people men and women in Yemen and outside. And I want to convey my thanks to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia the custodian of the two mosques who has provided me with the best care and highest medical care and this is yet an indicator of his generosity.

I have had several operations, eight successful ones and other officials have had operations also the prime minister, and the ministers and others.

The incident caused deaths and injuries, and the faithful patient Yemenis will be willing to give their lives and sacrifice for their country. They are the real heroes.

I also extend my thanks and appreciation to the military and security bodies that stand against any threats against Yemen and to the vice president who is trying to bridge the gap between all the rivals for the sake of Yemen.

Thanks again to H. M. King Abdullah and peace be with you all”