Yemen: Nine Dead As President Plans US Visit

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Security forces and supporters of Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh shot dead nine protesters on Saturday, as he said he would soon visit the US ahead of transferring power in February.

Scores of demonstrators, who demanded Saleh face trial, were also wounded when tear gas and water cannons were used against them, AFP reported.

Speaking in Sana’a, Saleh said he will travel to the United States in the coming days: “Not for treatment, because I am well, but in order to create favorable conditions… for the presidential election,” set for February 21.

Meanwhile, the national unity government, led by the opposition, on Saturday unveiled its program and made clear the country needs urgent help. “The government is going to try to convince its brother countries and friends to create a special international fund for Yemen,” Prime Minister Mohammed Basindawa stated. In addition, the government will set up a fund to present monthly assistances for families of killed and wounded people and to hospitalize the wounded people abroad if required. It will also form committees to contact with youth movements all over the country to discuss and involve them in determining the country’s future.

Al Bawaba News

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