Yemeni groups to sign transition deal

Anti-government protesters clash with police trying to block a demonstration in Taizz

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/176844.html

The Yemeni government and opposition say they would sign an agreement for transferring power from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Vice President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi.

Officials from both sides are expected to sign the deal in Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday.

The ruling party said on Tuesday it received an invitation from leaders of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC), who offered the transition proposal, Xinhua reported.

However, the protesters rejected the power transition deal mediated by Persian Gulf Arab states, saying they will continue their rallies and they want President Saleh to stand trial.

Opposition groups on Monday agreed on the deal that requires President Saleh to step down in a month after signing the deal in return for immunity from prosecution for him and his sons.

The transition plan comes after nearly three months of protests demanding president Saleh's ouster.

On Tuesday, troops killed one protester and injured several more in the southern city of Taizz. A number of people were also wounded in another southern city, Aden.

The police and presidential guard controlled directly by the president's eldest son fired bullets and tear gas at the protesters.

Opposition rallies have also been held in the capital Sana'a and several other cities.

According to local sources, hundreds of people have been killed and many others have been injured during clashes with riot police and forces loyal to the Yemeni president armed with batons, knives, and clubs.