NDI Director: Saleh Has Precious Opportunity for Peaceful Power Transition

NDI Director: Saleh Has Precious Opportunity for Peaceful Power Transition

By Fuad Rajeh

Sana'a- Feb 23, 2011- Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Democratic Institute Leslie Campbell said on Wednesday that Yemen's President Saleh has an opportunity to achieve a peaceful transfer of power.

At his meeting with Shura member Sadiq Al-Ahmer, Campbell said Saleh really has a precious opportunity to be the first Arab leader to do that as protests demanding the ouster of regimes are continuing to sweep the region, the Alsahwa website reported.

He stressed that Saleh fulfils his recent promises including not to run for president and not to bring his son to power after his term expires in 2013.

The National Democratic Institute will work to bring together the regime and the opposition in Yemen to implement the recent terms of President Saleh, he said, adding: "if the NDI succeeds in achieving that, a remarkable progress will be seen then in the country".

President Saleh announced earlier this month concessions after the revolt that ousted Tunisian president including pledges he will not run for president and bring his son, Ahmed, to power after him, and a call for the opposition to come back to the dialogue table.

He also promised robust political and economic reforms and renewed the call for the opposition to participate in a national unity government.