Yemen’s Al-Islah Party to Reintroduce New Administrative Framework

Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen’s Al-Islah Party to Reintroduce New Administrative Framework

Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Al-Islah leader Mohammed al-Yadumi said that his political party is in the process of preparing for the Fifth General Conference to comprehensively assess overlapping positions and issues, including the process of renewing frameworks under which the party is run.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Yadumi highlighted efforts spent by neighboring Gulf states, namely Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“The party highly appreciates the Arab Coalition’s support provided by the Saudi Kingdom and the UAE to the internationally-recognized government and the Yemeni people,” he said.

He described the recent meeting between the party's leadership with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed as defining and positive.

Addressing repeated accusation of the party's affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, Yadumi stressed that his party is a national political party with a reformist approach, as it is mentioned in its name—Al-Islah is Arabic for reform.

"There are no organizational or political relations with the international organization of the Muslim Brotherhood."

Yadumi said that it was efforts spent by “heroes that served the Houthi militias a severe blow—Houthis have sought to detach Yemen from its Arab identity and reintroduce it as a pawn for Iran’s expansionist agenda.”

Iran seeks control over Yemen so that it may access other countries it perceives as arch foes, creating a source of disturbance to Gulf and international security and stability.

The right-wing political leader also welcomed the General People's Congress party back into Yemen’s political life, so long as it adherence to constitutional legitimacy.

He also urged the Congress to overcome differences and focus on the liberation of Yemen.

"Today, Yemen cannot tolerate any side battles that the coupists could exploit to prolong the conflict and the suffering of the people," said Yadumi.

He highlighted that coup militias register losses daily to pro-legitimacy forces-- slamming Houthis as "liars who deceive with every breath they take."

Rarely speaking to media outlets, Yadumi refused to address rumored extortion practiced by his party against the coalition combating the Houthi militias.

“Reform has already released a declaration supporting Saudi-led efforts on restoring the legitimately elected government into power, which was in response to the request issued by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to help save Yemen,” he added.

As a political party, Al-Islah spared no effort in mobilizing the national public opinion to support the legitimacy government and engage in resisting the coup by all means.

“This has been our permanent and firm political position since the beginning of the battle,” said Yadumi.

In addition to this strong and clear political position, Al-Islah has been involved in the pro-government popular resistance and in supporting the national army.



China Backs Yemeni Gov’t, Engages Houthis, Opposes Red Sea Attacks

Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
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China Backs Yemeni Gov’t, Engages Houthis, Opposes Red Sea Attacks

Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen. (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)

A Chinese diplomat announced that Beijing is working with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, the five permanent UN Security Council members, and other key parties to push the Yemen peace plan forward.

The diplomat urged Yemeni factions to negotiate and quickly sign a peace agreement.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Shao Zheng, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen, said China is in contact with the Houthis and other Yemeni parties. He also called for an end to attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

The Chinese diplomat praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts for peace in Yemen, calling them “positive.” Zheng mentioned that he has met Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, many times, referring to him as “a dear friend.”

He disclosed that China is planning to work with regional countries to quickly achieve peace in the Red Sea region.

Zheng clarified that China’s military base in Djibouti is not currently involved in Red Sea operations.

He highlighted that the Chinese navy has protected 7,200 ships in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast over the past 15 years, with the involvement of 35,000 Chinese soldiers.

Addressing recent US sanctions on Chinese companies accused of supplying military materials to the Houthis, Zheng stated that Beijing opposes these sanctions.

He emphasized that China has strict controls on exporting military and civilian products, calling the sanctions “unilateral and without Security Council approval.”

Moreover, the ambassador expressed optimism about the future of Chinese-Yemeni relations, calling them “bright” and highlighting successful cooperation in various fields over the years.

“This year marks the 68th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Yemen. We’ve seen fruitful cooperation in political and economic areas. Both countries support each other regionally and internationally,” Zheng told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We are confident in a bright future for our relations and can enhance cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road” Initiative, he affirmed.

During his recent visit to Yemen, his third in a year, Zheng visited Hadhramaut and Aden, where he attended the arrival of Chinese medical aid, including over 1,000 medical items and 10 ambulances.

“I saw significant local progress, like improved internet speeds, but Yemen still faces challenges such as electricity generation,” noted Zheng.

“In Aden, I met with the prime minister and other government officials for extensive discussions on bilateral relations and the situation in Yemen. We support the legitimate government and the Presidential Leadership Council,” he added.

The Chinese diplomat reaffirmed China’s opposition to military attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

“We must ensure the Red Sea’s security and make our position clear to the Houthis and other parties. The Red Sea crisis has lasted nearly six months, causing significant losses. We call for an end to these attacks,” said Zheng.

“China believes the Red Sea crisis is linked to the conflict in Gaza. We urge immediate peace in Gaza and humanitarian aid to prevent the crisis from spreading,” he added.

On a recent Houthi attack on a Chinese ship, Zheng said China is closely monitoring the Red Sea situation.

“The foreign shipping market is complex, and identifying a ship’s nationality can be difficult. We urge an end to attacks on commercial vessels to avoid disrupting global supply chains,” he said.

“The international community must ensure Red Sea peace according to international law. Civilians must not be targeted.”

“We must achieve peace in Gaza, respect the sovereignty of Red Sea countries like Yemen, and raise security awareness among commercial ships,” asserted Zheng.