Yemeni opposition appeals for help

Opposition parties in Yemen have urged the international community, regional powers and human rights groups to help stop the bloodshed in their country.

Yemen has seen weeks of turmoil as military and police forces crack down on protesters demanding President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down after 32 years in power.

More than 120 people have been killed and 5,000 injured since the protests started on February 11, inspired by the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

The Yemeni parties issued a statement saying Saleh, his sons and relatives, as well as security and military operations they control, are carrying out planned attacks against peaceful demonstrations with the intent to kill.

The statement came after military forces and police snipers opened fire on marchers in the southern city of Taiz, killing at least 12 people.

Saleh had spoken of a “peaceful transfer of authority in the framework of the constitution”, but this week insisted: “We are standing firm, and we will defend constitutional legitimacy by all means.”

The opposition fears he is using the discussions over stepping down to stall for time – either to stay in power or to ensure he is succeeded by one of his sons.