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Middle East
Houthis seek greater role in Yemen
Following President Saleh's exit, Shia religious group hopes to emerge as major political force.
Last Modified: 05 Feb 2012 12:06



Thousands of members of the Houthi Shia religious group have gathered in Yemen to celebrate the Prophet Mohammed's birth. 
 
They have been fighting Yemen's army since 2004.
 
The Houthis were sidelined in the GCC peace plan, and now they have their leader Hasan Sharafeddin who represents them in the national unity government.
 
He said: "What you see now is a prelude to what could be in the coming months a new political party in Yemen, to allow the Houthis join the political process, take part in the national dialogue, draft a new constitution so that Yemenis can have greater freedoms"

With the exit of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, many Houthis believe they could become a political force.
 
In an Al Jazeera exclusive Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Saada.
Source:
Al Jazeera
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