Speaking to Asharq al-Awsat – the pan-Arab daily – former President Ali Abdullah Saleh slammed the UNSC new resolution on Yemen, warning that such political tutelage over Yemen essentially equates to a form of colonialism. “The UNSC resolution returned Yemen to the era of occupation,” former President Saleh told the paper.
Under the new resolution to sanction committee formed of 15 members will be able to take punitive measures against individuals or groups deemed dangerous or in opposition to Yemen’s transition of power and move toward federalism.
While many politicians and activists have hailed the move a confirmation of the international community’ support of Yemen at such a conjecture, others, mainly those who stands to lose the most from such a decision, have drummed up old conspiracy theories and neo-imperialistic agendas.
Angered to have been in a position where his financial assets and movements could be challenged, former President Saleh lashed out, saying, “This decision has returned Yemen to the era of occupation and replaces the institutions of the state with the terms of reference of the United Nations.”
He added, ““This decision is a threat to Yemen as a whole and will take Yemen back to the dark ages. This resolution will take Yemen back to the era before the revolution of September and October [2011] and will eliminate the freedom the country is experiencing in terms of the freedom of the press and the peaceful transition of power.”
As sources close to the presidential palace have confirmed that the net is closing fast around former President Saleh; his yacht has been seized by the coastguard under strict orders from President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, Yemen’s former strongman is said to have been left reeling.