SALEH PARDONS AL-HOUTHI SUPPORTERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002848 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/27/2015 TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PINR YM DOMESTIC POLITICS SUBJECT: SALEH PARDONS AL-HOUTHI SUPPORTERS REF: A. SANAA 1037 ¶B. SANAA 2022 ¶C. SANAA 2032 Classified By: A/DCM Thomas Burke for reasons 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (C) Summary. On the anniversary of Yemen's revolution against the Imam, President Saleh announced a surprise amnesty for supporters of the slain radical cleric Hussein al-Houthi. Saleh also promised compensation to the family of the royal family, deposed in 1962. The decisions were linked by their appeal to northern Zaydis, and were likely designed to undercut renewed support for the al-Houthi rebellion in the run-up to next year's election. End summary. ¶2. (U) On September 26, the 43rd anniversary of North Yemen's revolution against the Imam, President Saleh made a surprise announcement granting amnesty to all jailed supporters of al-Houthi. (Ref A) "We have pardoned them despite the blood that has been spilled," said Saleh, referring to the April rebellion in the northern region of Sa'ada. The fate of al-Houthi supporters currently on trial was not immediately clear. The President's announcement coincided with news reports from the opposition media of armed confrontations between some Sa'ada locals and followers of al-Houthi. At least two people were reported injured. ¶3. (U) Saleh also announced that the ROYG would compensate the family of Imam Ahmad Hamid al-Deen, whose assets were seized during the 1962 revolution. The Government-controlled newspaper 26 September reported separately that Saleh issued a republican decree pardoning those involved in the July fuel riots, although this was not included in the President's speech. (Ref B) Saleh delivered the short speech, aired live on national TV, during the opening session of the Yemeni Revolution Symposium in Taiz. The President's decision to appear in person diverged from the usual practice of allowing the Minister of Information to read a speech on his behalf. ¶4. (C) The speech notably omitted any reference to Saleh's previous announcement that he would not be a candidate in the 2006 presidential election. (Ref C) With elections exactly one year away, some observers felt the Revolution Day speech would offer the clearest indication of Saleh's true intentions. The President's silence on this issue has generally been interpreted as confirmation that he will seek another term. ¶5. (C) Comment: There are growing rumors that supporters of al-Houthi are regrouping for another clash, and Saleh's announcement aimed at undercutting support for renewed violence among northern Zaydis. Some al-Houthi backers seek the return of Imamic rule to Yemen, and Saleh may have dampened their fervor with promises of compensation for the royal family. Others are motivated by revenge for perceived mistreatment at the hands of Government security forces, which also may be ameliorated by the general amnesty. The prisoner release was in keeping with annual displays of mercy by the President as the month of Ramadan approaches, but this year's announcement doubled as a peace overture to some of the ROYG's staunchest opponents. Even without a serious opponent, Saleh can little afford more unrest as he enters the election year. End comment. Krajeski