SANAA: Yemeni protesters vowed to increase the pressure on Ali Abdullah Saleh after the president offered no clear path to a handover of power on his return from Saudi Arabia.
Saleh, who returned Friday after treatment for severe burns following an attempt on his life, called for elections and a “peaceful exchange of power” in a televised speech Sunday. But his failure to promise to step down, let alone give a time frame for signing a long-stalled transition plan, fuelled anger in Sanaa’s “Change Square” where thousands camped out for eight months demanding an end to his 33-year rule.

Politicians and diplomats have very different readings of what stage a Gulf-brokered transition plan is at. One leading member of the ruling party said he envisioned direct talks with the opposition within days, leading to a deal within two weeks.

That view was flatly rejected by the opposition. “There are no talks, we’ve accepted the Gulf plan as well as modifications suggested by the U.N,” said opposition official Yahya Abu Asbaa.
On the streets of Sanaa, many feel that time has run out. Protest organizers vowed to organize more marches despite the risk of bloodshed.

“He [Saleh] needs to have a deal signed fast,” said the soldier, Sharayi, crouched inside a protester’s tent with his rifle at his side. “There will be more clashes for sure because so far he hasn’t done anything. We were willing to sit here and defend protesters, but if he asks for war, he’ll get it.” TURN TO PAGE 10FROM PAGE 1In his televised speech, Saleh repeated his pledge to accept the Gulf deal – which he has three times appeared set to sign before backing away – and said the vice-president retained authority to talk to the opposition. “Let’s all go toward dialogue, understanding and [a] peaceful exchange of power through elections and early presidential elections,” he said.
Hundreds of protesters streamed into “Change Square” from all over Sanaa Monday, including a group of at least 1,000 women.

People on the streets have grown even more wary of Saleh’s intentions since some 17 people were killed Saturday when government forces attacked the camp in Sanaa, according to witnesses and medics.
The protesters accuse the president and his family of widespread corruption and failing to address crippling poverty and lawlessness.

Yemen also faces rebellions in the north and south where a wing of Al-Qaeda is reportedly eager to exploit the chaos. With unrest simmering in the capital, pro-opposition tribes that had already confronted military forces in neighboring regions may be further emboldened.

Fighting spread beyond the capital Monday as the defense ministry reported the death of General Abdullah al-Klibi, when pro-opposition tribesmen attacked a base outside the city and stole weapons, capturing 30 soldiers and dealing a blow to the prestige of the powerful Republican Guards led by Saleh’s son.