The Chairman of the Leadership Council urges political parties to foster national awareness and strengthen internal unity in support of the state project.
President Calls for National Unity Against Iranian Influence
In a recent meeting, President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, emphasized the urgent need for national cohesion in Yemen. He urged political parties and groups to play a proactive role in countering Iranian influence and its destructive tools in the region.
Political Parties as Key Players
During his Thursday meeting with leaders of the National Coalition of Political Parties, led by Dr. Ahmed Obaid Bin Dagher, President Alimi highlighted the critical role of political parties. He stated that these parties serve as the political backbone of the state and their influence on public opinion is as vital as military efforts. He called for a united front to defend the republican system and protect national achievements.
Strengthening National Support
President Alimi urged all political entities and national forces to rally public support around the state project. He stressed the importance of backing the armed forces, supporting government reforms, and building trust in national institutions. He cautioned against divisive rhetoric that could weaken the republican front and emphasized the need to consolidate efforts against Iranian ambitions.
Recent Houthi Escalation
The President updated the coalition leaders on the recent Houthi escalation, particularly the blatant Iranian violation of Yemen’s sovereignty. He condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s deployment of a drone to Sanaa Airport, which is under Houthi control, carrying military experts and technology. This act clearly violates UN Security Council resolutions and Yemen’s sovereignty.
The Threat of Houthi Militias
President Alimi reiterated that the Houthi militias have never been genuine partners for peace but rather an existential threat. He pointed out that any regional agreements that fail to address the core issue of Iranian influence will not lead to lasting peace. He described the Iranian project as one that exports crises rather than resolving them.
Regional Developments and Their Implications
The President noted that recent regional developments and Iran’s renewed aggression confirm Yemen’s assessment that leniency towards Iranian ambitions will not contain the threat. Instead, such leniency could lead to the manipulation of agreements for military purposes, presenting them as victories while ignoring the devastation on the ground.
A Call for Political and Diplomatic Action
President Alimi called for leveraging the current regional shifts to strengthen Yemen’s position and build a robust foundation for restoring state institutions. He shared updates on the state’s recent communications and actions regarding the Iranian breach, emphasizing the importance of presenting a unified national narrative to the international community.
Economic Reforms Amid Challenges
The President also discussed the government’s progress in financial and administrative reforms despite challenging economic conditions. He highlighted improvements in public revenues and the need to transform the oil export crisis caused by the Houthi militias into an opportunity for self-reliance.
Commitment to National Security
President Alimi condemned the Houthi attacks on oil facilities, which aimed to cripple the economy and create a humanitarian crisis. However, he credited the generous support from Saudi Arabia and the government’s reform efforts for thwarting these plans. He reaffirmed that building an economy based on self-resources remains a strategic priority.
Strengthening Partnerships
The President praised Saudi Arabia’s constructive role in supporting the government’s economic and financial reform efforts. He described the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia as crucial for achieving a secure future for Yemen and the region.
Engaging with Citizens
President Alimi urged political parties to enhance their presence among citizens and directly communicate the realities of political and military developments. He stressed that the upcoming phase requires parties to shift from passive observation to active engagement, including utilizing social media and public outreach.
Upholding Peace and Sovereignty
While reaffirming the state’s commitment to peace, President Alimi insisted that this cannot come at the expense of Yemen’s sovereignty and dignity. He warned that if the militias continue their escalation and refuse to meet their obligations, the state will take necessary actions to protect the interests of the Yemeni people and restore its institutions.
Unity Among Political Forces
In response, leaders of political parties reiterated their commitment to restoring state institutions, emphasizing that this remains a unifying issue for all national forces. They pledged to support the Presidential Leadership Council and the government in enhancing state presence and implementing economic and administrative reforms.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding among political leaders that national unity and public support are essential in facing the Iranian-backed Houthi threat. They recognized that solidarity and cooperation among all national forces represent the first line of defense for Yemen’s identity and republican system.
Dr. Yahya Al-Shaibi, Director of the Presidential Office, also attended the meeting.
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