On Monday, President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi chaired the first meeting of the newly-formed NDC Consensus Committee. United Nations Special Advisor to Yemen Jamal Benomar was also in attendance.

“This represents a crucial turning point in the course of the NDC, on which the Yemeni people pin hopes for positive outcomes and the building of a modern Yemeni state,” said Hadi.

He went on to praise progress made in the National Dialogue, adding that there had been productive shifts in the general moods of NDC members.

“When the NDC was launched in March, we perceived that people were nervous; but after they sat, talked, ate together and shook hands, hopes for a successful dialogue became stronger,” said Hadi.

“Yemenis’ visions and opinions have been mixed, and that is a good sign for the NDC as it proceeds in accordance with the West-backed Gulf initiative and political transition,” he said.

The President stressed the importance of constructive criticism in terms of coexistence and an acceptance of others’ opinions.

“Today, we are launching a new era through the NDC, which represents a new approach in drawing a roadmap for Yemen based on good governance and turning over a new leaf and achieving peace,” he said.

“We have to respond to the real needs of the Yemeni people - such as electricity, water, healthcare, education, and roads - at a time when people are looking forward to NDC outcomes which serve to ensure the provision of all services.

“Think of the young people and coming generations; they should not face what we faced. We have to make sincere efforts, put our disagreements aside, and put the country’s interests above anything else,” he added.

Following Hadi’s remarks, discussion focused on the Consensus Committee’s aims and anticipated tasks.