At least three protesters dead in Yemen clashes

At least three protesters dead in Yemen clashes

2011-05-09 21:22:39 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANAA, YEMEN (BNO NEWS) -- At least three demonstrators on Monday were killed after security forces opened fire during a protest in southwestern Yemen, the Yemen Post reported.

In addition tens of other protesters wee injured and some of them were reported in critical condition. The crackdown took place in Taiz province and witnesses said that security forces even chased demonstrators in alleys.

On Sunday, two protesters were killed and many others injured after Yemenis police dispersed a demonstration in Taiz' square of freedom. Thousands of people participated in the antigovernment rally.

Teachers and youths joined the initially peaceful demonstration after two students were killed and at least a dozen more wounded on Saturday. Demonstrations were held in several cities to call for an immediate ouster of President Saleh as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is pushing its plan for a peaceful transition in Yemen.

However, on Sunday, Yemen's ruling party (General People's Congress Party) said that President Saleh will not resign under the current circumstances and the irresponsible attitudes of the opposition.

"The best solution to the Yemeni crisis is that the opposition stop its coup projects and conspiracies against the country, and endorse the GCC plan which paves the way for ending our crisis," said Ahmed Ubaid bin Dhagher, assistant Secretary General of the party.

The GCC-proposed plan calls for Saleh's resignation within 30 days from the acceptance date and guarantees that he will not be prosecuted. It also contemplates holding presidential elections within two months from the date of Saleh's departure as well as the establishment of a new government within 90 days.

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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