Jamal Benomar is optimistic about the future of Yemen The United Nations\' Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar has called on political movements in Yemen to stop engaging in \"marginal conflicts,\" and come together for the national good .
In an extended interview with Arabstoday, Benomar also backed President Abd Rabo Mansour Hadi\'s recent restructuring of the military, adding that it will help build a modern army in Yemen.
Benomar reiterated that the UN Security Council will impose sanctions on any party which hinders the political settlement in Yemen, denying that the Shiite Houthis had backed away from participation in the dialogue.
He added that the Yemeni people are tired of narrow partisan conflicts and want stability, and that the next election will put a legal end to the political struggle for power in Yemen.
Benomar also discussed the fate of the former President\'s son Brigadier Ahmed Ali, and his opponent Major General Ali Mohsen. He also denied rumours of being the target of an assassination attempt, during his 15 visits to Yemen, since 2011.  
The full transcript of the exclusive interview is outlined below.
Arabstoday: The recent decisions of Yemeni President Hadi to shake-up the army has evoked controversy, especially in relation to the future of Major General Ali Mohsen and Brigadier Ahmed Ali. Do you know anything about the settlement?
Benomar: \"These military decision are based on UN Security Council resolution 2051, which urges the need for reforming security and military institutions. The changes are also a public demand. What is important now is that the reform process has started and we are moving on with the procedures of transferring power in accordance with the mechanism of the Gulf initiative. The initiative itself called for integrated armed forces under a leadership working within the framework of the rule of law.\"
Arabstoday: Were you told about these decisions beforehand?
Benomar: \"I was waiting for the changes to be made, and knew that the President wanted to carry out reform.\"
Arabstoday: What do you think about the reaction of other parties to these decisions?
Benomar: \"So far, I have only seen positive feedback, and I hope that everyone will cooperate for the success of the military plan.\"
Arabstoday: What sort of a military role will Brigadier Ahmed Ali and Major General Ali Mohsen have in the future?
Benomar: \"President Hadi will decide that, but I think this is not about individuals. I mentioned in my report to the Security Council that there is corruption in the military, and there is no loyalty to the state or the Constitution, but to people and military leaders. The existing army is very old and it doesn\'t provide Yemeni people with the security they need at this stage. I think President Hadi took the appropriate decision, at the right time.\"
Arabstoday: When was the last time you met the former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh?
Benomar: \"I met him during my previous visit.\"
Arabstoday: Some political parties are insinuating that they wouldn\'t join the national dialogue unless Ali Abdullah Saleh leaves the country and the General People\'s Congress (GPC). Do you, or the international community, have any intentions to push through with his departure? And what about Saleh\'s adherence to Gulf initiative?
Benomar: \"Yemen was on the brink of a civil war, but eventually all political leaders showed responsibility and reached an agreement to transfer power. The agreement will regulate how they manage the transition, and engagement in general elections, that will settle the struggle for power.
Arabstoday: So it is not necessary for the former president to leave the country?
Benomar: \"I did not say that. I just confirmed that we need to focus on the comprehensive national dialogue, and prepare for a new constitution with general elections. There is no need to engage in marginal conflicts at this time.\"
Arabstoday: Do you know the exact date of the national dialogue?
Benomar: \"The date will be determined by President Hadi\"
Arabstoday: Do you think that it will take place before next March, as it is romoured?
 Benomar: \"I\'m sure that the President will announce the date soon, because the Commission submitted its report to him, but there are a number of preparatory actions that are still going on.\"
Arabstoday: In terms of the Houthis movement, there were reports that they have turned down an invitation to the national dialogue. Do you know anything about this?
Benomar: \"Through my visit to Saada (north Yemen) and my meeting with Mr Abdul Malik al-Houthi in Saada, I see that there is a commitment to participate in the political process and national dialogue.
Arabstoday: What about the Southern Movement, what will happen if they continue refusing to participate in the dialogue?
Benomar: \"There is contract with all parties, home and abroad. In fact, there is no single position within the movement and they are split on particiation, but I am convinced that a large number of the brothers in the movement now see that there is a historic opportunity to deal with the issue of south Yemen in the national dialogue. Whatever the differences, the issue can only be solved through dialogue between all parties, and I encourage everyone to engage in dialogue without conditions.\"
Arabstoday: The key question is, can you conduct the dialogue without them? Is there a chance it may hinder proceedings?
Benomar: \"Of course not, the National Dialogue Conference will be held soon, God willing and there will be active participation and strong mobility, so I encourage brothers in the movement to participate in the national dialogue, as south will be among one of the key issues.\"
Arabstoday: Turning to another topic, what about the next constitution and the new shape of the state? Is there anything going on under the table right now?
Benomar: \"There are different views and perceptions, but I want to emphasise a key issue. The United Nations does not advocate a particular solution. We urge everyone to engage in a comprehensive national dialogue, but we have no specific position at the United Nations, about the nature of the political system, or form of the state. We just want to see transparency and mass participation of everyone. In the end, this process must be led by Yemenis. Our role at the United Nations is only to support and provide advice when requested to do so.\"
Arabstoday: You have said in the past that the UN Security Council is considering the formation of a committee to impose sanctions against the political settlement blockers. Was it just to intimidate parties who are opposed to President Hadi\'s decisions?
Benomar: \"The last meeting of the Security Council was very open and the message was clear, we all want to succeed in this unique experience of power transfer. In resolution 2051, the Council recognised that this process is being blocked. That is why it pointed to the penalties, and we hope that we won\'t be obliged to approve such actions.\"
Arabstoday: Surely the approval of any sanctions will complicate the matter even further, seen as there is no blatant opposition to President Hadi\'s decisions?
Benomar: \"As I said, I hope that all parties cooperate in this process, but if there was an obstruction, the Security Council will not allow it, and will take the necessary action required.\"
Arabstoday: Have you been personally affected by the events in Yemen?
Benomar: \"I have met thousands of Yemenis so far and I have seen a sincere desire for change. Secondly, people want to live decent, stable and safer life, and I would like to emphasise here that what happened was a miracle. Like I said, Yemen was on the brink of a civil war, but political leaders decided to take responsibility.\"
Arabstoday: Can the UN guarantee that the dialogue will fulfil the aspirations of the Yemeni people?
Benomar: \"We\'re referring to international law and applying Security Council resolution to Yemen. We have helped the Yemenis to move forward in reaching a settlement, and accomplish the main tasks of the transitional period, including the national dialogue. I\'m optimistic after seeing the willingness to enter the dialogue. This is a healthy phenomenon and reflects the desire of everyone to participate in the making of the new Yemen.\"
Arabstoday: Some parties may reject their quotas of representation at the dialogue, and suspended their participation. How can you deal with that?
Benomar: \"There is no magic formula to solve the problem of quotas, and there is no equation that can satisfy everyone. We must concentrate on the important issue which is that no matter what the numbers are, no party can overpower the dialogue, unless it has 90%, and no party could get this proportion.\"
Arabstoday: Finally, what is your message to Yemenis out there?
Benomar: \"My message to all Yemenis is that given what is happening now in Syria, what has been achieved in Yemen is a miracle, but challenges still exist. There are attempts to undermine the political process, and Yemenis must be stay vigilant so as not to be dragged into mazes. Yemen should make it to elections in February 2014 with the support of the international community, the Security Council, and Friends of Yemen, namely Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.\"