1000s in Yemen rally to urge end to political crisis

Thousands of Yemenis have taken to the streets of the capital of Sana’a in support of the Houthi Shia movement demanding an end to the country’s persisting political deadlock.

During the massive rally on Monday, the protesters set a two-day deadline for political factions to reach a consensus in running the conflict-ridden country, vowing their support for the 11 resolutions proposed by the Houthi-backed National Conference to bring an end to the political impasse.

The protesters chanted slogans against the US and Israel, slamming their interference in the country and the region.

The demonstrators further pledged full support for the authority of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi to direct the nation out of the turmoil.

UN-brokered talks failing

The demo came as anti-Houthi elements in the impoverished nations called for a halt to all dialogues with the movement until its members disarm.

As a result, the UN-brokered talks aimed at resolving Yemen's political crisis appear to be falling apart, as major political parties in the country suspended negotiations with the Houthis, also known as the Ansarullah movement.

The talks were reportedly centered on finding a framework for a national accord following the resignation of Yemen’s US-backed President Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi and his cabinet late last month.

This is while the anti-Houthi political parties have demanded the parliament to reconvene in a bid to consider Hadi’s resignation.

According to Yemen's constitution, in the event of a presidential resignation, the parliament speaker would assume the post until new elections are held.

However, the Houthis have rejected the legitimacy of the Yemeni parliament, citing links with the resigned government as well as foreign governments.

The Ansarullah movement has issued a three-day ultimatum for rival political parties to come up with an alternative plan for a provisional government, vowing to take over the entire Yemeni government if they fail to do so.

They have also declared that they will establish revolutionary committees to bring the country back to order once the deadline ends.

The power vacuum in Yemen emerged following Hadi’s resignation on January 22 over pressure from Ansarullah revolutionaries. The Yemeni parliament has yet to accept Hadi's resignation.

On Saturday, Hadi told delegates from different Yemeni political factions that he has no plan to reconsider his resignation.

The delegation visited Hadi at his house where he is currently held under arrest by the Ansarullah revolutionaries.

MFB/NT/AS

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk