Secretary General of Al-Ghad Party to Yemen Times”We believe that social justice and social liberty can reduce crime.” [Archives:2005/888/Reportage]

Millions of Yemenis are frustrated by existing political organizations and parties. They expected these parties to play their role in carrying out their declared agendas, which are expected to contribute to building a democratic peaceful community based on the peaceful transfer of power through free elections. People dream of broad based civil society tolerant to others, and defending of rights against the continuous abuses they are often subjected to. Moreover, the free media and publishing rights that the parties often promise and call for is a public dream people always long for. People want to see the parties defending them against the starvation policies adopted by the government.

For all these disappointments, and the fact that the present parties are either pro-government or running after their own benefits, the situations necessitated that there should be a party that expresses the people's aspirations for Justice, equal rights and guarantee of education, health and social welfare. It is Al-Ghad party who devoted itself to these ends.

It states in its principals that 'Unfairness leads to poverty and poverty is the source of crime, hatred, violence and denial of freedom. Infringement of rights yields underground activities.'

Lack of official establishments draws a wedge between the regime and the public, and psychological disorders are a result of political suppression.

Discrimination between men and women results in cultural recession and social disorders.

Mohamed Bin Salam from Yemen Times Staff, met Arif Al-Khamiri, Secretary General of Al-Ghad party and filed this reportage.

Q: It is rumored that you intend to form a liberal secular party, what do you say to that?

A: We thank Yemen Times for their distinct attention to national cases.

And now to your question: Al-Ghad party was an early reflection among a number of intellectuals who were concerned with the national issues. A great deal of the structural bases has been completed and will shortly be revised by the constituent body of the party. It will be presented to the party's general assembly as soon as possible. As for the liberal and secular trends of the party, I think this is a premature judgment, which will be refuted by our manifesto. The constitution and the law of Yemeni parties and organizations bind the Al-Ghad party.

Q: Is the Al-Ghad party named after the Egyptian Al-Ghad?

A: Al-Ghad means future and every nation look forward to the future.

Q: Why did your party declaration come at this time in particular, what do you imply?

A: Our country needs more participation to reform disorders. Democracy is an aim that Yemen seeks to achieve and Al-Ghad party is an addition to the political spectrum.

Q: Can you give a brief introduction to the party's politics?

A: We in Al-Ghad party see that the foreign policy should be restructured to pave the way for sustained initiatives. Fish and petroleum revenues should be invested to create a technology, which can help the community in developing their livestock and fish resources. We want to attract investors through a new three-dimensional development plan that involves the government, civil community and donors. Agricultural cost is to be lowered by mechanizing production means. Energy strategy that reduces petroleum consumption and depends on new energy alternatives such as natural gas, sun, wind hydro electric, and other cheaper sources of energy.

The alienating unfertile areas are to be treated to redistribute population and wealth between densely and thinly populated areas to empower politicians in the local councils in governorates and districts to freely carry out their duties, and to change the civil, charitable rights, and mobilize civil societies into democratic institutions of dialogue that coexist and shun tyranny.

Women are to have political, social and economic rights instead of past legislative oppressions. Parliamentary reforms should be made to give a quota for women so that they will participate in decisions on important issues.

The curative, diagnostic and protective sections need reform. The health cadre should be qualified Yemenis and they should learn how to use modern medial technological tools. The medical policy also needs reform and a list of the most recent medicines and research is to be published.

As for education we do not think that the present branching into literal and scientific sections is sensible. It is necessary to computerize and enlarge the database and applied sciences that can develop the educational system.

We believe that social justice and social liberty can reduce crime. There should be awareness of economic, intellectual and cultural rights. These and the economic restructure that we pointed to before will make the security authorities more aware of the citizens' rights.

The above-mentioned will create an economic stability that will be a logical attractor to tourism.

We are aware of the international coexistence in a manner that does not contradict our principals and laws.

Q: In the last fifteen years Yemeni parties have not satisfied the public interest as European parties do. In what way do you think the Al-Ghad party is different?

A: We do not think that our democratic experience is a failure. There are political parties, which we believe is a healthy sign, though there are some impediments. Europe has its own political environment that could not be compared with ours.

Al-Ghad party is different because we are partners with other parties in both government and opposition. As a party we will study the Yemeni situation and create a civil community that believes in peaceful coexistence.

Q: Many parties complain of the regime's undemocratic behavior towards them, and they think that they are being curbed by their activities. What stance are you going to have towards the ruling party and the other parties?

A: We believe in democratic dialogue to be an alternative to violence and extremism. Concerning the alliances, we are open to them if they are in line with our aims.

Q: How many members does the Al-Ghad party have so far?

A: We are now interested in founding the party, though we have large number of membership applications.

Q: How do you finance your party?

A: Members contribute and we get unconditional grants in addition to investment.

Q: When will you declare your party public and what obstacles are you facing?

A: There are no obstacles, but we want to be precise with the founding steps, and when we finish we are going to present our outcome to our general assembly in order to trevive.
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