Yemen TV to air Saleh speech 'in coming hours'
SANAA — Yemeni television will air a speech later Thursday by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has not appeared in public since he was wounded in a bomb blast at his…
SANAA — Yemeni television will air a speech later Thursday by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has not appeared in public since he was wounded in a bomb blast at his palace last month, the defence ministry website said.Saleh "will address the Yemeni people via television in the coming hours," 26sep.net announced in a brief statement.Yemeni television said the speech would be broadcast "during our coming programmes."Meanwhile, a source close to the presidency told AFP the speech, recorded Thursday in Riyadh where Saleh has been receiving medical treatment since June 4, will be aired between 8:00 and 9:00 pm (1700 and 1800 GMT).Late last month, Deputy Information Minister Abdo al-Janadi told AFP a team from Yemeni television had headed to Riyadh to interview Saleh and that it would be aired after June 30."In this interview, Saleh will address the Yemeni people to reassure them about his health," Janadi said.But a Yemeni diplomat in Riyadh told AFP on June 29 that Saleh's condition does not allow the wounded Yemeni president to appear in the media."Saudi authorities, in compliance with doctors' orders, forbid any filming or visits to president Saleh, as this contradicts the atmosphere needed for his recovery," the diplomat had said.Uncertainty had prevailed over Saleh's health as he made no public appearance since the attack amid conflicting reports on his condition.Eleven people were killed and 124 others were wounded, among them senior officials when in the bomb explosion that took place as they prayed at the mosque in Saleh's presidential palace in Sanaa on June 3.In his absence, Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi has come under pressure from the parliamentary opposition and the West to assume power, while protesters demand he form an interim ruling council.But Hadi's grip on power is seen as shaky, as Saleh relatives hold main security posts. Key among them is Saleh's son, Ahmed, who leads the elite Republican GuardAnti-Saleh protesters have camped in cities across the country since February. At least
last modification 2011-07-07 18:30:50
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