The Yemeni government's pick to be the country's next prime minister has turned down the post, following threats from the Houthi rebel group to hold a mass protest against his appointment.
Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak was due to be appointed as part of a United
Nations brokered peace deal, but his nomination caused uproar among the
Houthis, Al Jazeera's correspondent, reporting from Sanaa, said early on
Thursday.
"I was hurt when I saw some people wanted revenge," Mubarak said in a
letter announcing his decision. "I cry for my nation when I see its
hopes and future being hijacked along with the rest of the region. For
this reason, I apologise for not being able to accept the position and
to participate in the country's future."
Our correspondent, whom Al Jazeera is not naming for security reasons, said that Mubarak likely sent the letter from abroad.
Celebratory gunfire and fireworks were heard across the capital Sanaa following the news, our correspondent reported.
Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi said on Wednesday that President
Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi was influenced by foreign powers when he put
Mubarak's name forward.
Houthi also called for "unspecified steps" if Hadi did not revoke his decision.
"What Yemen needs now is an independent [prime minister] who can have
the responsibility in carrying Yemen through this transitional phase,"
said al-Houthi.
The Houthis quickly snubbed Mubarak's appointment on Tuesday on the
basis that he was not selected through a consensus decision and that he
was an "agent of the US".
Mubarak's refusal to take up the prime minister's post further
delayed the implementation of a ceasefire deal sponsored by the UN that
calls for the Houthis to withdraw from Sanaa once a new neutral prime
minister is named.
Houthi fighters stormed Sanaa on September 21, took over government buildings, mounted patrols and set up checkpoints.
The rebels have refused to withdraw from the city despite the UN deal
promising them more influence with the Sunni-dominated government.
The US has been aiding the embattled Yemeni government in the
struggle against rebels, using drones to target al-Qaeda operatives,
their camps and hideouts across much of Yemen.
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