Yemen’s General People's Congress leadership, convened in Cairo, stressed upholding the party’s unity and commitment to the vision of its slain leader Ali Abdullah Saleh, killed by Iran-Backed Houthi militia in December 2017.
Party leaders said they were committed to maintaining their unity at home and abroad, especially with members held in areas under the control of Houthi militias, urging GPC leaders in Sanaa to “stand strong and determined to resist the pressure the face by Houthis threatening to break up the party.”
The leaders of the party, in their statement, rejected any alliance with Houthis or with forces that do not abide by the rule of law and adhere to GPC values.
Earlier this year, Iran-allied Houthis attempted to mold a new GPC, directing party leaders presiding in areas under militia control to convene, back Houthi stances, and form a self-proclaimed version of the late Yemeni president's party.
GPC leaders in Sanaa were forced to release party statements in order to secure their survival after coming under Houthi pressure—the more GPC officials suffer under Houthis, the more it places difficulties in the way of preserving party cohesion.
More so, GPC leaders went on to condemn Houthis for “monopolizing national resources, depriving people and employees of salaries and rights, looting public funds, unwarrantedly imposing levies on traders and citizens, seizing humanitarian relief, and committing hostile acts that compound the pain and suffering of people.”
GPC political leaders stressed that the party’s main objective is “to strengthen the role of the GPC in Yemeni politics scene and to assert its place in the forefront of national initiatives and its connection with the masses and its keenness to cooperate and partner with the various political forces.
Party leaders renewed their rejection of “any project based on ideological indoctrination, and stressed that only the Yemeni state should have the right to bear arms and assume the responsibility of protecting citizens and residents under the rule of law.”
