The agreement to end the political crisis in Yemen found obstacles to the emergence of doubts about whether President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed the document that would strip the power within a month. However, the main opposition coalition said it still had hopes that the rich Persian Gulf states that negotiated the agreement are able to ensure the signing of Saleh, a political survivor for three months has faced protests seeking his ouster.
"Until now, we still have hope that the efforts of the Secretary General of Gulf Cooperation Council is successful in persuading the president to sign," said a prominent opposition leader, speaking on condition of maintaining anonymity. Saleh, who has ruled Yemen for about 33 years, should have signed an agreement, if implemented, would make it the third Arab head of state overthrown by the wave of popular uprisings.
But in a last-minute twist, a government official said talks were taking place within the ruling party over whether Saleh would sign his retirement, or delegate this event in their community. This change could cast doubt on the entire agreement. U.S. and Saudi Arabia from neighboring Yemen want the situation resolved to avoid the chaos that would allow space for Al Qaeda to operate more freely.
Saleh, who is considered a U.S. ally against the local arm of Al Qaeda, forcing the mediators to divide the signing ceremony in two days, also object to the presence of representatives of Qatar. Analysts estimate that a 30 day window to Saleh's resignation leaves plenty of time to the forces dissatisfied with the old guard to cause problems in Yemen, a country where half the population has weapons and Al Qaeda has gained ground in the regions mountain.
For the deal to succeed, Saleh would appoint a prime minister from the opposition to lead a transitional government would call for presidential elections 60 days after he left office. 
"Until now, we still have hope that the efforts of the Secretary General of Gulf Cooperation Council is successful in persuading the president to sign," said a prominent opposition leader, speaking on condition of maintaining anonymity. Saleh, who has ruled Yemen for about 33 years, should have signed an agreement, if implemented, would make it the third Arab head of state overthrown by the wave of popular uprisings.
But in a last-minute twist, a government official said talks were taking place within the ruling party over whether Saleh would sign his retirement, or delegate this event in their community. This change could cast doubt on the entire agreement. U.S. and Saudi Arabia from neighboring Yemen want the situation resolved to avoid the chaos that would allow space for Al Qaeda to operate more freely.
Saleh, who is considered a U.S. ally against the local arm of Al Qaeda, forcing the mediators to divide the signing ceremony in two days, also object to the presence of representatives of Qatar. Analysts estimate that a 30 day window to Saleh's resignation leaves plenty of time to the forces dissatisfied with the old guard to cause problems in Yemen, a country where half the population has weapons and Al Qaeda has gained ground in the regions mountain.
For the deal to succeed, Saleh would appoint a prime minister from the opposition to lead a transitional government would call for presidential elections 60 days after he left office.
- Pictures of the Day: Yemen and Elsewhere (26/04/2011)
- This is the face of Islamic dictatorships: killing their own (29/04/2011)
- Yemen's Saleh Wants Immunity Before Stepping Down (25/04/2011)
- Yemen: Gunmen Kill 10 Protesters (28/04/2011)
- Rainwater Collection Project for Thirsty Yemen Wins Philips Livable Cities Award (29/04/2011)
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