yemen

From Saudi Arabia, Yemeni President Appears on TV

Embattled Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh appeared on Yemeni TV on Thursday for the first time since last month’s attempt on his life, which sent him to Saudi Arabia to recover. “We are for participation with all political powers, whether they are in opposition or ruling,” he said in a pre-recorded speech, broadcast from Saudi Arabia, seeming to offer to share power with constituents. Activists, who have been protesting Saleh’s 33-year reign over the past six months, aren’t biting. One of them explained, “It’s the same speech we’re used to, it did not offer anything new.” The president showed signs of severe burns to his face, and he said he had undergone eight surgeries. He made no mention, however, of when or if he would return to Yemen.

Yemen President Speaks on TV for First Time Since Injury [NYT]
Yemen’s Saleh appears on TV, offers to share power [Reuters]

From Saudi Arabia, Yemeni President Appears on TV