Yemenis protest against government

Yemen, January 27: Thousands of Yemenis have taken to the streets in the country’s capital, calling for President Ali Abdullah Salehs ouster.The protests are taking place at four different locations across Sanaa, led by opposition members and youth activists. The crowds are chanting for an end to the government of Mr. Saleh, who has been in power for nearly 32 years.

The rally is inspired by Tunisias popular revolt that topped that countrys ruler and this weeks deadly protests that have gripped Egypt.Impoverished Yemen is grappling with a resurgent al-Qaeda, a northern rebellion and a secessionist movement in the south.Mr. Saleh has tried to defuse simmering tensions by denying opponents claims he plans to install his son as his successor and by raising salaries for the army.

–Agencies