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Journalism of Courage
President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Friday he was ready to cede power to stop more bloodshed in Yemen but only to what he called safe hands as tens of thousands rallied against him in Day of Departure protests.
Quiet talks were underway on two tracks to work out the details of a deal on a peaceful transition of power in the Arabian Peninsula state that is home to a resurgent arm of al-Qaeda,Yemeni political sources said.
Western countries are concerned that al-Qaeda militants could exploit any disorder arising from a messy transition if Saleh,a pivotal US and Saudi ally fighting for his political life,finally steps down after 32 years in office.
We dont want power,but we need to hand power over to safe hands,not to sick,resentful or corrupt hands, Saleh said in a rousing speech to tens of thousands of supporters in Sanaa.
The protesters waved pictures of Saleh and banners saying,No to chaos,yes to security and stability. Some carried guns and traditional Yemeni daggers,others waved flags and played patriotic songs.
We are against firing a single bullet,and when we give concessions this is to ensure there is no bloodshed. We will remain steadfast and challenge them with all power we have.
Across the capital,however,tens of thousands of anti-government protesters held their own Day of Departure rally to demand the ouster of the president,a serial survivor of civil war,separatist movements and militant attacks. The protesters handed out red cards telling the president to Get out.
The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Saleh and top general Ali Mohsen the most significant of this weeks defectors were hashing out a deal whereby both men resign within days to allow a civilian transitional government.
A spokesman for Saleh denied the report but said Saleh had held a meeting over the past 48 hours with the general. Ali Mohsen clarified why he did what he did and requested assurances that nothing would happen against him, Ahmed al-Sufi said.
