General

U.S. recalls diplomats from Yemen

Fierce clashes break out between tribal groups and pro-Saleh forces in Sanaa

The U.S. recalled all non-essential diplomats and their families from Yemen on Thursday, as President Ali Abdullah Saleh maintained his refusal to step down in favour of a transitional unity government. “We continue to support the departure of President Saleh who has consistently agreed that he would be stepping down from power and then consistently reneged on those agreements,” said Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Hundreds of people have fled the capital of Sanaa, where tribal groups and government troops are exchanging sporadic artillery and gun fire after clashes broke out on Monday. President Saleh has so far refused to sign a transitional deal offered by the Gulf Co-operation Council, although he said in a statement on Wednesday that he would sign a deal “within a national dialogue and a clear mechanism.” Seventy-two people have died in the last three days of clashes.

BBC News

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