JMP blames authority for worsening situations nationwide [Archives:2008/1162/Local News]

Saddam Al-Ashmori
For The Yemen Times
SANA'A, June 8 ) The Joint Meeting Parties are calling for helping Yemen get through its current crises and avoid potential collapse via a comprehensive national conference to be attended by all political parties, social dignitaries, civil community organizations and educated individuals.

The opposition coalition adds that such a national conference must be held under a slogan of “Unity and democracy.” It blames the ruling party and its government for worsening situations and poor living standards nationwide.

At a news conference Wednesday in Sana'a, Yemeni Socialist Party Secretary-General Yassin Sa'eed Noman asserted that concept of dialogue by the ruling General People's Congress Party creates numerous obstacles to such dialogue.

Noman noted, “The GPC's concept of dialogue may not help suggest workable solutions to the nation's pressing political issues, even those discussed at previous dialogues. When the JMP insisted on serious dialogue during the last round of dialogues following the 2006 presidential and local elections, the GPC created various obstacles to these efforts. The ruling party didn't care about dialoguing to resolve pressing national issues.”

The YSP secretary-general further described the ruling party's recent vision for dialogue as a “political statement” via which its leadership intends to make the JMP part of a problem that's symptomatic of the government's failed policies.

The opposition parties renewed their adherence to dialogue as a civilized means to settle notable issues and differences.

During Wednesday's news conference, the JMP accused the authority of creating obstacles to constructive dialogue with other political partners, alleging that the current government power holders only cares about helping corrupt officials retain their posts while allowing no opportunity for change or peaceful transfer of power.

According to the JMP, the authority makes dialogue a means to justify its announced and unannounced wars against citizens, leaving behind negative consequences at various political, economic and social levels. Thus, as a result of the government's failed policies, serious dialogues meant to suggest workable solutions to real problems always result in an impasse.

In a statement at the press conference, the opposition coalition held the authority accountable for aborting previous dialogue attempts during their infancy, as well as breaching agreements reached in past dialogues. The statement noted, “Had previous dialogues faced no obstacles by the authority, they would've helped our nation avoid several catastrophes and calamities.”

The opposition statement also cited the nation's current political, economic and security situations, criticizing the authority's “oppressive and arbitrary practices” against peaceful actions and struggle.

According to the statement, the country's current dire situations have exposed the government's failure and inability to help the nation overcome repeated crises and catastrophes. It went on to say that the current turmoil threatens the future of Yemeni people and may harm distinctive national achievements.

The opposition statement further criticized the authority for continually advancing in the wrong direction, thereby taking the nation toward further crises and congestions. Additionally, it slammed the government for green lighting security personnel's use of force against peaceful protestors in Yemen's southern governorates who voice their concerns and demands via legal means.

In response, the ruling party described the JMP statement as “irresponsible,” asserting that the opposition parties aren't serious about tackling any national issues and accusing them of instigating violence and fragmentation with the intention of returning Yemen to imamate rule.

The GPC General Secretariat further accused opposition parties of absenting themselves from any serious dialogues intended to discuss and address notable issues within the nation. The ruling party reaffirmed its interest in continuing dialogue with all political parties, including the JMP and civil community organizations, according to the Yemeni Constitution and relevant laws.

Political parties in Yemen, represented by GPC and JMP members, signed an Agreement of Principles on June 18, 2007 to ensure free and fair elections in Yemen. The agreement also focused on dialogue as the most effective means to resolve any real issues.

On the 18th anniversary of Yemen's national unity on May 22, President Ali Abdullah Saleh stressed the necessity of resuming dialogue between the various political parties in such a way that serves the interests of the nation and its people.
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