UN's Ban calls for restraint amid further violent clashes in Yemen

[News_Editor]

UN's Ban calls for restraint amid further violent clashes in Yemen

2011-04-29 04:36:14 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for restraint after violent clashes erupted in the Yemeni capital.

At least 12 people were killed and several hundred wounded on Wednesday during demonstrations in Sana'a. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban reiterated his call on authorities to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and to stop the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

"The Secretary-General emphasizes that broadly inclusive political dialogue and mutual understanding are critically important for overcoming the current crisis and preserving the country's unity and integrity," Martin Nesirky, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said in a statement.

Mr. Ban also welcomed the efforts being made to promote "a peaceful transition that will be acceptable to all."

The Government and opposition reportedly agreed earlier this week to sign a deal under which President Ali Abdullah Saleh would step down within 30 days from the acceptance date and guarantees that he will not be prosecuted. The demonstrators rejected the proposed immunity to Saleh under the transition initiative.

President Saleh said over the weekend that he accepted a peaceful transition under the Yemeni constitution but remarked that he will not cede power to protesters who continue staging mass anti-government protests across the country. Saleh has described the protests as a coup against his administration organized by infiltrated Islamist extremists.

According to the United Nations, the recent political turmoil has left an estimated 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Many reports indicate that security forces have been firing live ammunition in order to disrupt mass protests.

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