The Peaceful Revolution Youth Council has been closely monitoring the developments of government formation, which has recently culminated in the consensus of all political parties granting authority to the President and the designated Prime Minister, accompanied by their written commitment to uphold the proposed terms.
The council expresses its astonishment at the manipulation of certain parties, their retreat from their commitments and obligations in a manner that lacks ethical values and principles, resulting in the complete loss of trust in these parties by the street, as they prioritize their own interests above all considerations and drive the country into chaos, lawlessness, and a vacuum of governance under the control of militias.
Considering this and the recent formation of a capable national lineup with promising and deserving figures - although we have reservations about certain individuals, especially those implicated in corruption and requiring reevaluation - we are confronted with an unavoidable decision to support the state's institutions and established mechanisms, aiming to rescue the country from its current situation, conclude the transitional phase, establish the national constitution, and progress towards holding elections.
We strongly support the new Prime Minister, Dr. Khalid Bahah, in his efforts to establish the authority of the state through its institutions, remove armed militias from the capital city of Sana'a and other provincial capitals, recover looted military camps, restore the credibility of the Yemeni security and army institutions, and uphold the principles of good governance, integrity, and anti-corruption. These issues and priorities have been previously raised by the council on multiple occasions, and they are demands that everyone agrees upon, except for those with vested interests and unrelated agendas that do not serve Yemen and its stability.
If this government adheres to this approach, we, as a council, from our societal position as a revolutionary entity born out of the peaceful youth revolution in February 2011, where the entire nation aspired to the dream of a civil state, rule of law, equal citizenship, and the establishment of a strong and independent national army, we will be its support, aid, and complement. Moreover, the council will serve as a vigilant observer of the government's performance during its term and will not hesitate to take a clear and unequivocal stance against any deviations, manipulations, or compromises of the people's aspirations, hopes, and dignity. We will also confront any form of financial or administrative corruption, regardless of the level or whether it occurs in a civilian or military institution.
The Council observed the United Nations Security Council's decision to freeze the assets of the deposed Ali Abdullah Saleh and restrict his travel due to allegations of supporting Al-Qaeda activities in Yemen, which aimed to destabilize the Yemeni state and assist armed militias in overthrowing the capital, Sanaa. Similar sanctions were also imposed on prominent leaders of the Houthi militias. The council recognizes that freezing the assets of the former leader and recovering the funds he unlawfully acquired during his three-decade rule is a revolutionary demand that the youth of the revolution have been advocating for in recent years.
The council highlights the importance of recovering frozen assets worth billions of dollars, registered under various individuals' and companies' names, and returning them to the Yemeni state.
Glory to Yemen, eternity to the martyrs, and healing to the wounded!
Issued by:
Peaceful Revolution Youth Council’s Coordinating Committee
February 9, 2014