Violence in Yemen continues after UN resolution

President Ali Abdullah Saleh will be urged by the Yemeni Government to sign a deal requiring him to step down in exchange for immunity as a result of a UN Security Council approved resolution.

According to witness five civilians and five opposition soldiers died and dozens were injured during conflict between Yemeni government forces and opposition fighters.

Saleh has refused to sign the Gulf initiative which was presented after months of protests.

Yemeni opposition parties and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed the declaration. All have been trying to mediate an end to the predicament in Yemen.

“The government of the Republic of Yemeni is willing to deal positively with UN Security Council resolution 2014, for it conforms with the Yemeni government efforts to put an end to the political crisis on the basis of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative,” a Yemeni government source said.

Witness said that thick, black smoke could be seen over neighbourhoods where members of a breakaway military force opposing Saleh’s presidency are based along with tribal fighters.

Many buildings have been destroyed by rocket propelled grenades, mortars and automatic weapons used by the forces.