Sana, Janaury 09: The devout and grave-faced men pouring out of prayers yesterday at the al Rihaab Mosque in Aden were at once keen to speak about their government, seven hours’ drive to the north, and guarded in their choice of words.
But most left little doubt about the deep vein of discontent that runs through the port city the British left over 42 years ago. Yes, there was corruption, said Sami Samir, a 24-year-old support teacher. He added carefully that President Ali Abdullah Saleh is himself “good” but: “Under him the government is playing with the country. We need a government that is more democratic and keeps by the law.”
Speaking in English learnt in his three years studying business and marketing in Slough, he added: “The northern tribes get the good jobs and good salaries and we don’t.”
–Agencies