Yemen’s defiant president addressed his troubled nation for the first time since returning to the country after an assassination attempt, making no promise to immediately step down but saying he is committed to a deal to end months of spiralling violence.

Yemen’s embattled president agreed to a proposal by Gulf Arab mediators to step down within 30 days and hand power to his deputy in exchange for immunity from prosecution, a major about-face for the autocratic leader who has ruled for 32 years.

Yemen’s embattled president agreed tonight to a proposal by Gulf Arab mediators to step down within 30 days and hand power to his deputy in exchange for immunity from prosecution, a major about-face for the autocratic leader who has ruled for 32 years.

Yemen’s political opposition presented the most detailed outline of how it hopes to see power change hands after nearly two months of protests that have weakened the long-time president but failed to drive him from office.

Yemen’s embattled leader today rejected demands to step down, saying widespread demonstrations against his regime were unacceptable.