PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST WAR IN IRAQ IN SANAA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000185

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/27/2008
TAGS: PGOV IZ YM
SUBJECT: PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST WAR IN IRAQ IN SANAA


Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull for Reasons 1/5 (b,d)


1. (U) A large, peaceful and well-controlled demonstration
was held on January 27 in Sanaa expressing solidarity with
the Iraqi and Palestinian people and protesting a possible
war in Iraq. Demonstrators gathered from different points
around the city to converge in mid-morning near the United
Nations common premises (approximately 25 minutes away from
the U.S. Embassy). The demonstration was billed as a
general, all-party demonstration, and prominent Yemeni
politicians took part. Presidential Advisor Abdul Karim
al-Iryani and Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Abdullah Ahmar
both gave speeches and marched with the demonstrators. Crowd
estimates vary widely from 250,000 to 5,000, with the latter
being a likelier number. Post used its radio net and warden
message systems to warn Amcits to avoid non-essential travel
during the demonstration, which did not approach the Embassy
premises.


2. (U) Post received early warning of possible
demonstrations through press reports and contacts. It was
apparent early in the day that the ROYG was well-prepared for
the demonstration, with hundreds of security officials
deployed around Sanaa and concentrated near the United
Nations complex. According to security officials, several
busloads of protesters from varying tribal areas were brought
in for the demonstration. A senior Yemeni security official
estimated the crowd in front of the UN at 250,000. Embassy
assets estimate, however, a crowd closer to 5,000.


3. (U) Although the demonstration appeared to be
well-controlled and peaceful from the beginning, post decided
to warn Amcits to avoid non-essential travel during the
demonstration through its radio and warden message systems
early in the morning. By 12:15, post was able to disseminate
an all-clear message that the demonstration was over and the
participants were dispersing peacefully.


4. (C) Comment: Indications such as the high-profile
participants involved and the detailed security presence show
that the demonstration was probably orchestrated in part by
the Yemeni government as a way to let the Yemeni public blow
off steam. It was peaceful and well-controlled, boding well
for the ROYG's ability to control future demonstrations and
ensure security. End comment.
HULL