NEW : The Houthi Shiite rebels , who control the northern Saada province and are a strong force in Yemeni politics , were not involved in the national council ; they refused to join . The council is expected to pick a president and executive committee soon . Comment: The president has been urged to step down in an orderly transition .
NEW : The council is expected to pick a president and executive committee soon . Comment: The president has been urged to step down in an orderly transition .