Dozens injured in Yemen clashes

FORCES loyal to Yemen’s president attacked protesters calling for his removal in a southern city yesterday, injuring dozens, according to activists.

Activist Nouh al-Wafi said presidential guard troops, controlled by President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s eldest son, fired bullets and tear gas into tens of thousands in the city of Taiz. Al-Wafi could not provide an exact toll of the injured, but said dozens had gunshot wounds while scores of others had breathing difficulties.

The demonstrators were rallying for Saleh’s removal, chanting: “leave”. Saleh has ruled for 32 years. On Saturday, he agreed to an Arab proposal to leave within 30 days of signing a deal and transferring power to a deputy, but near daily protests demand he leave immediately. Al-Wafi said troops prevented ambulances from getting to the wounded, and that several people and local journalists were arrested.

Saleh agreed on Saturday to a formula by the Gulf Co-operation Council for him to transfer power to his vice-president within 30 days of a deal being signed in exchange for immunity from prosecution for him and his sons.

A coalition of seven opposition parties accepted the deal, but thousands have remained in a permanent protest camp in the capital, Sana’a, and their leaders said they suspect the president is manoeuvring to buy time and cling to power.

More than 130 people have been killed by security forces and Saleh supporters since the unrest erupted in early February.