SANA'A: Despite worldwide condemnation and the outcries of tens of thousands of Yemenis nationwide, violence resumed in Taiz as tribesmen loyal to the revolution threw their weight behind the protesters fighting back the government troops yesterday. In al-Hasab, a district of Taiz, residents reported fierce fighting. A stand-off opposing the tribes backed by the People Protectors and the Republican guards lasted several hours without any casualties being reported as of writing. Youth activists announced yesterday that they would organize yet another day of general strikes, urging all residents to participate and keep their businesses closed. Already on Saturday many people in Taiz reported that a great majority of shops were shut in protest of the violence. This new bout of violence in the southern city of Taiz comes amidst the visit to Yemen of UN envoy Jamal Benomar, who was sent to the country to oversee and smooth in the signature of a power-transfer along the lines of the GCC brokered proposal. Under such terms, President Saleh would transfer his executive powers to Vice-President Hadi before handing out his official resignation from office. The members of his family who continue to hold strategic positions within the armed forces would have to step down as well. In exchange, immunity would be extended to all, including the president's close aides. Although the government announced on many occasions that significant progress had been made and that the president was favorable to a peaceful transition of power, he has yet to ink the deal. According to some government officials, an agreement could be signed on Sunday. However, a spokesperson for the Opposition, Mohamed Qahtan, declared on Saturday that in the light of what had happened in Taiz it was clear that Saleh was still playing cat and mouse with the international community, ignoring the 2014 UN Security Council resolution passed against him. “Saleh totally rejects the initiative … and proof of this is what is happening to the peaceful protesters in Taiz,” he said. BM
