'No to hunger, no to intimidation' Yemenis chant

Yemen opposition parties protest against surging prices, south 'violations' and siege.

SANAA - Thousands of Yemenis protested on Thursday following a call by opposition parties against raising the prices of goods, as well as the authorities "violations" against southern activists.

Around 10,000 protesters gathered in a stadium in Sanaa, to protest a recent 15 percent increase in custom duties on 71 types of imported goods, which pushed prices up in the impoverished country.

"No to hunger, no to intimidation," chanted the demonstrators, referring also to Sanaa's policy in dealing with southerners.

A similar crowd gathered in Taiz, 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Sanaa.

In a statement, opposition parties grouped in the "Common Forum" criticized the new measures saying they have "led to an appalling deterioration in the living conditions which threatens to cause starvation."

They also demanded an "end to the daily violations against political and cultural activists and the peaceful movement in the southern provinces," as well as ending the "de facto emergency law."

They also called for lifting "the siege imposed on (the southern) Daleh and Lahej provinces."

The statement also rejected proposed constitutional amendments that would "strengthen the power of an individual and tyranny, while they would reduce rights and freedom."

President Ali Abdullah Saleh had recently proposed an amendment that would strengthen his powers, change the electoral system and introduce proportional representation in elections.

Yemeni jails hold about 400 southern militants, according to estimates by the Southern Movement -- an alliance of parties whose demands range from improving economic and social conditions to the independence of the regions of former South Yemen.

Pro-independence protests have multiplied in the south amid a worsening economic situation in Yemen and charges of discrimination in favor of northerners.

Source: Middle East Online.
Link: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=38456.