Yemen leader Saleh attacks opponents in new TV broadcast

Ali Abdullah Saleh appears on TV in broadcast from Saudi Arabia, his first public appearance since assassination attempt Yemen’s president has lashed out at opponents seeking to drive him from power in his first public appearance since he was injured in an assassination attempt last month that left him appearing stiff and weakened. Sitting rigid in a chair, his hair covered with a cloth and his hands wrapped in white bandages, Ali Abdullah Saleh accused “terrorist elements” of carrying out the 3 June attack and criticised his opponents for trying to topple him. He wore a white robe and his face appeared noticeably darker than before the attack. “Many have understood democracy incorrectly, through incorrect practices,” Saleh said in a seven-minute, pre-recorded video broadcast on Yemen state TV from Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving treatment. Saleh said he has undergone more than eight “successful operations,” adding to speculation about the severity of his injuries. Without naming any particular parties or groups, he called for dialogue as the only way to end the country’s crisis. “Where are the conscious people? Where are the honest people? Where are the believers and the men who fear Allah? Why don’t they stand with dialogue?” he said. “They should stand with dialogue so we can find solutions.” More than four months of popular uprising seeking to push the longtime ruler from power have shaken the impoverished corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Saleh has been in treatment in Saudi Arabia since 5 June after being injured in a bomb attack at his palace compound. Yemen Middle East Arab and Middle East unrest guardian.co.uk

Posted by on July 7, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.