Initially, the opposition Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) accepted the government's offer to restart political dialogue, but as the street protests grew, it quickly changed its stance. On February 13th the opposition tentatively agreed to talks, subject to assurances that they take place "under the auspices of the Friends of Yemen group [of concerned countries]". However, the next day it recanted, owing to what it called government "provocations" towards demonstrators and the violence perpetrated by "thugs" hired by the ruling General People's Congress (GPC). Despite this, the JMP subsequently made it clear that it was not seeking Mr Saleh's removal. The apparent state-sanctioned use of violence against protesters not only prompted a backlash from the JMP, but also from within the president's own party. Seven members of parliament (MPs) resigned from the GPC on February 23rd, in protest against the crackdown on demonstrators. The departing MPs included one relative of Mr Saleh, a tribal leader from Sanaa, and two representatives from the south. However, the GPC's large majority in parliament will not be threatened by the desertions.

For his part, Mr Saleh repeatedly said that he was still prepared to meet all the "legal" demands of the opposition through dialogue, and set up a government committee to talk with the protesters on February 24th. In addition, in February Mr Saleh held up to ten gatherings with tribesmen from the country's most influential tribes, the Hashed and Bakil, in various rural localities. Earlier, his spokesman announced: "The president has decided to open his office ... to listen closely to all groups for the interest of the nation." In keeping with this pledge, Mr Saleh offered to incorporate both the Houthis and the secessionist Southern Movement into the talks. However, given Mr Saleh's presently weakened position, it is unlikely that either movement will wish to ease the president's situation by taking up his offer.