Reunification: Honeymoons (4) [Archives:2005/845/Opinion]

By Ibrahim Hussein Mohammed
As soon as May 24, 1990 was over, the leaders of both pre-unity states knew their own position. The hawks on both sides snatched some 39 ministries and the area-based sharing was convincing. At least, there was no other solution and time was pressing.

The new leadership was able to form new authorities in order to include those who were kept out of the Cabinet. A consultative council was formed consisting of 45 members each of them with the rank of deputy prime minister. Some 31 members in the Parliament and the members of the Permanent Committee and the Central Committee were granted minister rank.

The problem lay in Aden. The (numerous) lesser officers were trying to reorganize their status. Each of them was heading for the new center, Sana'a which many of the employees of Aden had not visited before.

Sharing was a solution for as many as five-level top-ranking officials but it was not justifiable to move secretaries, departmental heads, and even cheuvirs. The financial burden grew heavier and later it was evident that the income of minor officers could not meet their immediate needs such as home rentals. It was common to find newcomers from Aden complaining of frequent moving from home to home.

Acclimatization to life seemed difficult to some people. During 91-92, large numbers of people returned to Aden and it was no longer important to share low-level positions. However, the case was different with people who moved from Sana'a to Aden. The moved were largely deputies, assistant deputies, and general managers. They were granted state-owned homes in Aden and all deputies and assistant deputies were given two apartments each at very low fees and later they became owners.

The nature of life in Aden was smoother and less complicated than Sana'a. That lasted from the early months of the Reunification up until mid of 1993.

Concerning the tip of the leading pyramid, some problems started to surface. The southern side of the Presidential Council would complain of indiscipline and whimsicality in dealing with meetings' agendas and times. Disagreements were initiated over some appointments. The comrades were used to collective leadership. Mr. Ali Salem al-Beedh and his comrade in the Presidential Council Mr. Salem Saleh were manacled to a great extent. The other side was not. Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh had the power to issue binding decisions and did not have to consult with the General Secretariat of the People's General Congress.

From the events of the honeymoons between Saleh and Beedh, we got a scene in which both of them were playing tennis in Taiz. At that moment, Saleh lifted the hand of al-Beedh and said, “This is my partner in achieving the Reunification.” He wanted to send a message to al-Beedh's comrades who were grumbling due to practices they considered were establishing the approach of inclusion and persecution.

As the date of the first elections in the Reunification era was approaching, some suggested merging the Yemen Socialist Party with the PGC and others objected to the idea. Preliminary discussions were conducted to make constitutional amendments and elect the President and Vice President. That was the genesis of rage and crisis.
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