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| Arabia |
| Forces Loyal to Yemeni President Fire on Protesters |
| 2011-12-24 |
| At least eight protesters were killed in Yemen after government soldiers opened fire on a peaceful march on Saturday, the worst violence in the capital, Sana, since President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to give up his post more than a month ago. Hours after the killings, Mr. Saleh, who retains his title and much of his power until a new election in February, announced that he would be leaving soon for the United States. The announcement seemed intended to defuse anger at the violence by his forces as well as pressure from some of his political rivals and regional powers, who fear that Mr. Saleh has no intention of fading from the scene. Speaking to reporters at his presidential palace, Mr. Saleh said he was leaving to “calm the atmosphere,” according to The Associated Press. He did not say when he was leaving, and noted that he would eventually return, to work as an “opposition figure.” His departure had been rumored for weeks, amid speculation that he would seek medical treatment abroad for injuries he received in a bomb attack on his palace in June. But he said was going to the United States “not for treatment, because I’m fine, but to get away from the attention, cameras, and allow the unity government to prepare properly for elections,” Reuters reported. The American Embassy in Yemen had no comment on Mr. Saleh’s statement. |
| Posted by:tipper |