Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh: December 2nd... The Spark of the Free, the Steadfastness of the Republic, and the Era of Dignity (Text of the Speech)

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Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, Deputy Chairman of the General People's Congress, addressed the people of Yemen inside and outside the country on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the December 2 Revolution, coinciding with the glorious November 30 anniversary. The following is the text: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Praise be to God, who deposited in the hearts of the free a light that does not go out, and planted in the chests of the brave a determination that does not soften. Brothers and sisters... O free Yemenis everywhere Today, we celebrate the eighth anniversary of the December 2 Revolution, coinciding with the glorious November 30 anniversary. These two milestones embody the spirit of Yemen and summarize a long history of struggle, determination, pride, and adherence to freedom, whatever the sacrifices. December 2 was not just a day, but a cry of a nation, and an explosion of pure republican anger in the face of injustice, tyranny, and coup. It was the day the brave came out to say that Yemen cannot be kidnapped, that the republic cannot be sold, and that Yemenis know only dignity and honor as a path, and do not submit to dark militias that try to tear the country apart, distort its identity, and plunder the rights of its people. On this great day, we stand in awe and reverence before the souls of the righteous martyrs. We stand before the soul of the martyr leader Ali Abdullah Saleh, the man who lived for the republic, and was martyred while facing the treacherous militias in defense of the state, freedom, and the unity of Yemen. We stand before the soul of the Secretary-General, the hero Aref Awad al-Zouka, who wrote the last pages of his life with unforgettable courage, rare loyalty, and steadfastness until the last moment. We stand before their fellow martyrs who ascended with open hearts and unwavering faith, in defense of a country that deserves to live for and die for. May God have mercy on the martyrs. They have departed, but God has preserved their positions. They have disappeared, but God has preserved their impact. They have left the world and left in us a spark that does not go out, a spark of revolution against injustice, a call for dignity, and a pledge to resist the coup until the end. Brothers and sisters... The December 2 Revolution was not a passing event, but a message to generations. A message that says that when the will of the Yemenis comes together, no force can break them. And that when the homeland calls, men rise up, determination awakens, and difficult moments turn into the beginning of a new path. Therefore, our responsibility today, as we recall that glory, is not to be content with celebrating, but to carry the banner of the revolution, and translate its principles into action on the ground. Our responsibility is to unite ranks, bury differences, and put the interest of Yemen above all consideration. There is no victory without unity, no state without cohesion, and no future without a comprehensive national alignment that includes all Yemenis in one trench against a militia that wants to return the country to the dark ages. The stage requires from us a firm will, a unified decision, an open mind, and great hearts that overcome the wounds for the sake of Yemen... for the sake of restoring the state, building its institutions, and restoring the prestige of the comprehensive Yemeni identity that the Houthi wanted to erase and replace with an alien culture that does not resemble Yemen and does not suit its people. O free people of Yemen... The difficult stage that our country is going through today makes the unity of ranks a fateful necessity that cannot be postponed. The time has come to turn the page on differences, and put the interest of the homeland above all partisan, personal, or regional considerations. I call on all political and social forces to open a new page based on frankness, tolerance, and genuine national partnership. Our country is facing a militia that does not believe in coexistence, democracy, or human rights, a militia that has turned Yemen into a large prison. In it, they practice oppression, intimidation, kidnappings, and confiscation of property, impose darkness on people's lives, fight every free voice and every dissenting opinion, and target the leaders and members of the General People's Congress, as they target all the people of Yemen without exception. Therefore, the national alignment today is not a political option, but an imposed duty, and a historical responsibility towards the homeland and future generations. Brothers and sisters... Nations do not rise unless they join forces, unite, and work with one spirit. In unity there is strength that cannot be defeated. In unity there is pride and dignity. In national cohesion there is security and stability. In joint action there is prosperity and development. We in Yemen need to learn, benefit, and make our national unity a basis for peace, our republican alignment a basis for dignity, and our cooperation a bridge for Yemen to cross to a future it deserves. Finally, I can only thank all those who contributed to the preparation, organization, and participation in commemorating the December 2 event. Thank you for your efforts... Thank you for your loyalty... Thank you for your keenness to keep this occasion a burning torch that always reminds us that Yemen does not die... the republic does not fall... and freedom is not conquered. May God have mercy on the martyrs of the homeland. Victory for Yemen. Eternity for freedom and dignity. Long live the Republic of Yemen. Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh Deputy Chairman of the General People's Congress