Ceasefire paves way for Yemen talks

A temporary ceasefire was agreed in Yemen today to allow for negotiations after five days of fierce clashes that killed at least 124 people.

A mediator between Yemeni government troops and armed tribesmen seeking President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s removal said both sides are discussing terms that will see fighters loyal to Sheik Sadeq al-Ahmar pull out from at least nine government ministries they occupied during this week’s fighting.

The truce will expire tonight.

Al-Ahmar heads the Hashid, Yemen’s most powerful tribal confederation. The tribesmen attacked after Saleh’s forces tried to storm al-Ahmar’s compound in central Sanaa last Monday.