SANAA, April 15 (Xinhua) — Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Friday that millions of demonstrators are sending a clear message of supporting his constitutional legitimacy to international community and his local opponents, calling the opposition for dialogue.
“Millions of demonstrators came today to this square to say yes to the constitutional legitimacy and yes to Ali Abdullah Saleh as the president of this nation, which can be regarded as a public referendum and a clear message to the international community and local opposition,” he told the crowds near the presidential palace in Sanaa.
“We renew our call for the opposition Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) to engage in dialogue,” he said.
The president in his brief speech blamed the opposition for instability, accusing them of blocking roads, cutting the supplies of oil and gas to cause security and economic crisis.
“Millions of Yemeni people say yes to freedom, security and stability … they say no to blocking roads, killing innocents and cutting the supplies of oil and gas, we hold the opposition Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) responsible,” the president told the crowds.
“We ask the opposition to stop lying to the people,” he added.
The president, who face months-long street protests demanding an immediate end to his 33-year rule, also praised the military and security institutions for maintaining order.
