EDITORIAL : THE NEW STRAITS TIMES, MALAYSIA

Bridging the gulf

UNDER a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council, a coalition of seven opposition parties has agreed to a plan under which Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh would step down within 30 days and hand over power temporarily to his deputy until new presidential elections can be held. If the accord is signed and the transfer of power proceeds as planned, this would be a significant step towards resolving the political deadlock in Yemen in a peaceful and orderly manner. But the problem, of course, is that this is far from being a done deal. For one thing, though the embattled president has agreed to transfer power, he said it should be carried out through ballot boxes and referendums -- hardly the words of a man who is ready to pack his bags and make his exit. Moreover, the opposition is anything but united. What is clear is that the opposition coalition does not have authority over the protesters or other political and tribal factions. Protests continue to rock cities throughout Yemen. On Monday, government forces fired at protesters, killing three at three separate rallies. Neither does the official opposition speak for the protesters who are not prepared to countenance any deal which protects the president from persecution.

Given the blood that has been shed and the level of anger, the implacable demand that the president gives up power at once without the guarantee of immunity is understandable. And so is the lack of trust that the president will keep his promises. After all, Saleh has repeatedly backtracked on pledges to step down and continues to cling to office. In fact, an agreement which gives a Parliament packed with the president's men the authority to accept or reject his resignation is not a comforting assurance that it could finally lead to the end of his 32-year rule. Clearly, forming a unity government will be made more difficult as the opposition coalition has expressed reservations about its terms.

Nevertheless, though not all the terms and conditions are acceptable to all, it is critical that all support this commendable effort at a peaceful solution by the Gulf states. Whatever the scepticism about the credibility of the political transition, it is important to give the peace plan a chance. There is nothing to lose by putting demonstrations on hold and giving Saleh one final chance to prove he will keep his word and step down. It is hoped that all sides will step back from the brink and make the effort to bridge the gulf that has separated them and spilled so much blood.