US embassy cable - 05SANAA2848

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