ADEN // Thousands of southern Yemenis rallied in Aden city’s Al Oroodh square on Thursday in support of the former governor who was transferred from his post by the president last week.
The demonstration underlines the difficulties facing president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi in his efforts to keep together a coalition of loyalist forces fighting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who control the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north.
Mr Hadi has relied heavily on militia recruited in the formerly independent south, where some have harboured a sense of marginalisation. That has often forced him into a difficult balancing act with his other supporters, which include loyalist army units from the north.
The pro-government forces are backed by a Saudi-led coalition that is seeking to restore Mr Hadi’s internationally recognised government and launch a national reconciliation process.
The Saudi-led coalition played a major role in the recapture of Aden and other southern provinces in 2015.
Participants in Thursday’s demonstration came from several southern provinces to show their backing for Aidarous Al Zabidi, who was removed from the Aden governorship on April 27.
Organisers of the rally issued a statement calling for Mr Al Zabidi to set up a “national leadership to represent the south” and pledged their allegiance to it.
“The new political entity will document strategic cooperation with the coalition of legitimate support, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to repel the Iranian tide and fight terrorism,” the statement said.
Speaking with Sky News Arabia yesterday, Mr Al Zabidi said, “Our relationship with the coalition is crucial.”
That sentiment was reflected in those participating in the demonstration.
“We believe that Zabidi has good relationship with the coalition countries, and he is a reasonable man, that is why southern people came from different provinces to participate in this demonstration,” said Mazen Obadi, 36, who came from Al Dhale province to take part in the rally.
“I want to thank the coalition countries for their work in the south and I hope to support Zabidi in his steps.”
Along with Mr Al Zabidi, Mr Hadi also removed state minister Hani bin Break. The two men played a key role in restoring security to Aden and adjacent provinces after the rebels were pushed out.
But they have rivals among northern generals who remained loyal to Mr Hadi.
foreign.desk@thenational.ae
* With reporting from Agence France-Presse
Scorecard:
England 458 & 119/1 (51.0 ov)
South Africa 361
England lead by 216 runs with 9 wickets remaining
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
MATCH INFO
Karnatake Tuskers 114-1 (10 ovs)
Charles 57, Amla 47
Bangla Tigers 117-5 (8.5 ovs)
Fletcher 40, Moores 28 no, Lamichhane 2-9
Bangla Tiger win by five wickets
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The specs
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Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
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On sale: Now
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Racecard:
2.30pm: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Emirates Breeders Society Challenge; Conditions (PA); Dh40,000; 1,600m
3pm: Handicap; Dh80,000; 1,800m
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Mile Prep Rated Conditions; Dh110,000; 1,600m
4pm: Handicap; Dh95,000; 1,950m
4.30pm: Maiden; Dh65,000; 1,400m
5pm: Handicap; Dh85,000; 1,200m
The Specs:
The Specs:
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Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
