May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,
Greetings befitting Greater Yemen,
Greetings worthy of its soil grandeur, sacrifices of its children, and its great resilience in the face of formidable conspiracies,
Greetings of revolution and freedom to our great Yemeni people,
Greetings from the most significant event in our national history.
Greetings from the peaceful popular youth revolution, the glorious February 11th revolution, which stands tall in the face of a concerted effort by both domestic and international forces of oppression, injustice, and ignorance to distort its true essence because they recognize that it embodies the will and aspirations of our people for a dignified future and a better life.
Greetings to all my brothers and sisters on this glorious day, where our people have shown themselves to be a proud, noble, and determined nation, knowing what they want, raising their voices, and making sacrifices for freedom, dignity, and change. It is a day aimed at breaking free from the grip of a failed regime that has plunged Yemen into divisions, armed groups, and widespread destruction across all aspects of life.
The armed factions, led by warlords and supported by foreign adversaries, are but an extension of the former regime. Their primary objective today is to erase from Yemen's collective consciousness the noble principles and values championed by the illustrious February 11th revolution. This comes after a decade of relentless warfare that ravaged our nation's resources and tested the resilience of our people, whose peaceful youth-led revolution remains a shining beacon in Yemen's contemporary history.
Today, it is crucial to reflect on the significance of the trajectory laid out by the February Revolution, as there are deliberate attempts to distort history, in hopes of masking their catastrophic errors and misguided policies that culminated in a coup against Yemen's political transition process.
As you are aware, we were on the brink of a referendum regarding a new constitution for the nation, along with the prospect of conducting presidential and parliamentary elections. It is evident that the government established following the February Revolution presented an opportunity for political parties to forge a contemporary governance model.
However, what ensued was deeply disheartening. Those in positions of power became divided between conspirators and collaborators. Otherwise, how could the nation have succumbed so readily to the grip of a militia espousing fascist ideologies and embracing a political doctrine diametrically opposed to the legacy of the National Movement, both in the north and south?
This significant failure was instigated by those in positions of authority and influence within state institutions, exerting control over governors, members of the House of Representatives, and wielding influence within security and military establishments. The majority of Yemenis are aware and comprehend how this absurdity was orchestrated and how this criminal coup was promoted to the Yemeni people and the global community.
Today, I encourage all witnesses of that period and anyone with information about suspicious interventions leading to the country's collapse to step forward and share their knowledge. This is crucial for increasing our vigilance, confronting attempts to undermine our nation, stability, and lives, similar to the tragic consequences of the September 21, 2014 coup.
Knowledge is indeed power, and distorting the facts surrounding the February Revolution will not succeed. Cohesive and strong societies conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover the truth behind failures and hold responsible parties accountable. It is my hope and prayer that such an investigation will take place soon, providing Yemenis and people worldwide with valuable lessons and future immunity from similar experiences.
Indeed, we refuse to succumb to those who seek to rewrite history with the destructive ink of hatred. The opposition to the February Revolution today is nothing but a continuation of the counter-war against our people, serving as a proxy conflict for the enemies of our nation abroad. Our aspirations and goals remain clear and universal, shared by all free individuals on this planet. We seek to live in freedom and dignity, advocating for equality and justice in our homeland. We are partners in our nation, and we have neither oppressed others nor demanded what is not rightfully ours. This land belongs to us, Yemen is our birthright, and no one has the authority to claim ownership or monopoly over it.
Dear Yemeni people, both at home and abroad,
It's evident that only militias have thrived amidst this war, perpetrating violations against citizens and embezzling public funds. Previously, UN Security Council reports have labeled these militias as proxy forces, which is essentially a euphemism for "mercenaries." The primary dilemma we face today is that these militias are undermining state institutions under the guise of representing the state. Regrettably, this absurdity often occurs with the tacit support of neighboring countries and under the auspices of the United Nations. Therefore, any peace agreement in Yemen should adhere to the following three principles:
Principle One: Yemen, as a member of the United Nations, is entitled to full and unimpaired sovereignty. Consequently, any agreement must refrain from including provisions that contravene this principle or alter Yemen's political and legal status;
Principle Two: Legitimacy is derived from the people through free elections, not through the use of weapons or assertions of superiority, whether based on dynastic lineage or regional influence.
Principle Three: Any peace agreement cannot serve as a replacement for justice and its prerequisites. Those responsible for crimes and violations during this period must be held accountable. Continuing the policy of avoiding punishment would be perilous. Hence, I reaffirm the call for the establishment of a dedicated international court for Yemen, tasked with prosecuting both local and foreign perpetrators who have committed violations against Yemenis during the war. Justice is the entitlement of every Yemeni, and forgoing it would only embolden criminals to perpetrate more offenses. Those who believe they are immune from consequences often engage in improper behavior.
Dear Yemeni people, wherever you may be,
Yemen, along with the entire Arab region, is in dire need of genuine peace – peace that terminates the encroachment of dictatorships, eradicates the scourge of terrorism, and dismantles the influence of militias and armed factions that flourish amid conflicts and wars. We must bring an end to this destructive trajectory once and for all. Our region holds immense significance globally, but we must eliminate all impediments hindering our progress.
In the context of discussing peace in Yemen and the broader region, it is crucial to highlight the urgent and grave situation unfolding in Palestine, specifically in Gaza. The conflict in Palestine represents the aspirations of a people seeking freedom and their own independent state on their rightful land, while facing a harsh occupation that consistently commits massacres against the Palestinian population. The ongoing war of genocide, now in its fourth month, has reached unparalleled levels of brutality, leading to the destruction of Gaza's cities, displacement of its residents, and the loss of numerous Palestinian lives and injuries, with over one hundred thousand casualties.
Here, I underscore several key points:
Firstly, the Palestinians possess indisputable rights that cannot be subjected to negotiation. It is crucial for the promotion of peace and stability in the region to acknowledge and respect these rights. Doing so is essential for demonstrating that the world operates on principles of justice rather than chaos. The disregard shown by Western countries towards the rights of the Palestinian people, particularly regarding the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return, is viewed as both immoral and non-political. Such actions contribute to exacerbating instability in the region.
Secondly, the events unfolding in Gaza far surpass Israel's assertions of acting in self-defense. What is occurring constitutes war crimes and acts of genocide, as the entire world has witnessed the deliberate targeting of buildings, homes, civilians, schools, universities, places of worship, and hospitals. The decision by the International Court of Justice to assert jurisdiction over the lawsuit filed by South Africa, a country I salute for its legacy embodied by Mandela, is commendable. The occupier cannot simply pay lip service to the notion of self-defense; it is the people suffering under occupation who truly possess this right. Failing to recognize this principle would result in a world resembling a lawless jungle, endangering the progress made during the post-colonial era.
Thirdly, it is unjust and unfair to blame the Palestinians for the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Moreover, regarding the conflict's history as commencing only on the seventh of last October is a flawed belief. This conflict is longstanding, with well-known underlying causes, including a settler occupation aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their land. It is imperative, especially now that the world is increasingly acknowledging the reality of this conflict, that it be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions. Such resolution should guarantee the Palestinians' right to establish their independent state and uphold their historical rights.
Dear fellow Yemenis,
Recent events underscore a fundamental truth: there can be no security in the Red Sea without the presence of the Republic of Yemen, no security without honoring Yemen's principles, and no security without upholding the independence of the Yemeni state. Similarly, in the face of the Israeli war of genocide in Gaza and Palestine, there can be no security for the Red Sea or the broader region.
In the face of the Houthi rebels' militias, we must reiterate today that their continued strength and maneuverability would not have been possible without the Saudi-Emirati coalition and their tools in Yemen. The Houthi rebels' stance towards Israel will not deceive us into changing our principled position towards them. Our support for the Palestinian people remains steadfast and is based on values, nationalism, religion, ethics, and humanity. We stand with the free Palestinian people who have been subjected to occupation and face successive wars aimed at breaking their will and uprooting them from their land.
It is ironic that the major powers have only recently taken notice of the presence of militias in Yemen—specifically, the Houthi militia—when their actions began to directly impact their interests, as well as those of Israel, and the international shipping movement in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea. Prior to these events, Yemen's plight and suffering went largely unnoticed by these countries, as things were favorable for them.
Let's to make our position on this issue clear. We strongly condemn the attack on our country and denounce the savage airstrikes carried out by the United States and Britain on Yemeni cities and territories. It is crucial for America and Britain to take immediate action to halt the Israeli genocidal war in Gaza. This approach will effectively ensure the security of international shipping routes in the Red Sea without causing further suffering to the people of the region. It is important to remember that the disruption of navigation in the Red Sea serves as a reminder that supporting the Israeli genocidal war in Gaza and other places paves the way for widespread devastation.
The Yemeni people's stance on the Palestinian issue is genuine, longstanding, and deeply rooted. Therefore, no one should assume they can manipulate the situation in Gaza for their own selfish or narrow agendas. Therefore, it is crucial to remind Yemeni factions that their focus should not be on exploiting the plight of the Palestinian people, an issue on which all Yemenis agree, but rather on alleviating the suffering of their own people. This calls for prioritizing concessions for the benefit of Yemen. The present rulers have no legitimate claim or rightful authority over Yemen. Any assertion to the contrary is simply delusional, and they will ultimately face repercussions for these false claims. History consistently demonstrates that legitimacy stems from the backing of the people. Those who attempt to marginalize the people in decision-making will neither find resolution nor attain their objectives.
Let me remind you of a fundamental principle found in both Yemeni and global constitutions: that power ultimately resides with the people. They exercise this power directly through referendums and general elections, as well as indirectly through legislative, executive, and judicial bodies, and through elected local councils.
To address this matter comprehensively, I want to emphasize that Yemen stands as a unified and democratic republic, where the selection of its leader is determined by the will of the people. Under no circumstances can anyone dispute this fact. Any endeavors to establish a revised and distorted version of Yemen are tantamount to a war project that all Yemenis have the right to oppose and overthrow. It is crucial to underscore that deviating from the path of the February 11 revolution would only lead to the rise of sectarian and separatist militias, as well as foreign interference, which would perpetuate division and strife within Yemen.
Dear Yemeni people,
In our skies, ominous clouds loom—representing oppressive forces clinging to outdated notions of tyranny and domination, alongside occupying powers seeking to plunder Yemen and its resources. Yet, our allegiance to the principles of humanity, progress, and justice, as well as our collective aspirations for freedom and the rule of law, epitomized by the peaceful uprising of our youth and echoed in the legacies of past revolutions, namely the September 26th and the 14th revolutions, remains steadfast. Since October, these values have proven too resilient to be dispersed by fleeting clouds destined for dissolution.
In conclusion, I extend my salute to all individuals who actively participated in the February Revolution, as well as to those who initially held skeptical or opposing views but now stand in solidarity with a unified, republican-democratic Yemen. There is no solace for individuals who exploit change to monopolize power, who turn against the Republic for their own gain, or who compromise sovereignty to appease foreign interests. Our compass points to one direction: a unified Yemeni state, republican in system, ensuring political pluralism, safeguarding rights, protecting freedoms, and upholding the principles of equal citizenship and the rule of law.
Glory and honor to the youth of the peaceful popular revolution of February 11;
Glory and honor to the September 26th and October 14th revolutions.
Glory and honor to our great Yemeni people;
Glory and victory to the everlasting greatness of Yemen;
And peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.