Sheikh Tarek Al-Fatheli Denies President Saleh's Meeting with Abyan Leaders

Sheikh Tarek Al-Fatheli, a senior leader of Southern Movement in Abyan, denied that a meeting was held with President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Saturday.
''No meeting took place between Abyan's tribes, sheiks, dignitaries, and members of local councils and President Saleh,'' Al-Fatheli told media outlets. ''Those who met the President are not from Abyan, are thugs, and do not belong to Abyan's tribes,'' he added.
Al-Fatheli announced one year ago his support to the Southern Movement. He lately joined the protests demanding President Saleh to step down.
On the other hand, state news mentioned on Saturday that President Ali Abdullah Saleh met with a number of sheiks, dignitaries, members of local councils and civil society organizations in Abyan province in which they announced their support to President Saleh's initiative for dialogue and reforms. They noted the importance of responding to this initiative by the political forces for the sake of the national interest.
Also, they expressed their support to the political leadership, in its efforts to maintain security, stability and public order in society, confirming that they are for the unity and against all acts of sabotage and terrorism.