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