MOSCOW, November 22 (Sputnik) — Saleh al-Sammad, leader of the Houthi politburo in Yemen, has given an interview to RIA Novosti in which he talks about the political ambitions of his movement, and his movement’s opposition to the US and Al-Qaeda in the region.
“After September 11 America started to establish its dictatorship in the region. Our movement sprang up in opposition to that project, which aims to pit peoples against each other, to change their political and cultural identity, and as a consequence, bring in large numbers of troops.”
The Houthi leader also denied rumors of his movement’s association with Iran, denying that Iran has provided his rebel movement with assistance. “Every movement which refuses to bow to US demands is accused of being in co-operation with Iran,” he said.
In September, the UN brokered a power-sharing deal between the Houthi politburo and the Yemeni government, which acceded to the Houthi demand that a new cabinet be formed. The move came after Houthi fighters captured the capital Sanaa, clashing with Al-Qaeda backed Sunni fighters and government troops.
In Friday’s interview, al-Sammad expressed disappointment in the current makeup of the Yemeni government. “There are people in this cabinet who have served in the previous government, against which the people rose up, and also those suspected of corruption. People have gained ministerial posts who do not have the requisite qualifications or experience.” Al-Sammad told of his dissatisfaction that the Houthi politburo had no ministerial portfolios in the government.
Al-Sammad declared that his movement will continue to press for political change to fulfil the demands made by the Houthis, and the promises made in the September agreement, in which he accepted a role as adviser to President.
The Shia Houthis have clashed with Al-Qaeda in Yemen, with recent reports detailing fighting in the city of Radaa, a traditional al-Qaeda stronghold. Al-Jazeera reported on Thursday that the Houthi had taken greater control of the city. “The Houthis say they will continue their fight until al-Qaeda is defeated or evicted from these areas," reported Al-Jazeera.
In Friday’s interview, al-Sammad accused the US of using Al-Qaeda as an expedient to impose its dictatorship on the Yemeni government, and said that the political vacuum created by the extended political standoff during the government’s formation had allowed terrorism to flourish in the country.
