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March 23, 2011

Saleh Warns of "Civil War" as Opposition Calls for Immediate Departure 
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Yemen's opposition has rejected an offer from U.S.-backed President Ali
Abdullah Saleh to resign at the end of the year. Saleh made the pledge
on Tuesday in the face of ongoing protests and a series of defections by
Yemeni military and government officials. In the same speech, Saleh also
warned of a "civil war" if protesters continue to demand his removal
from office. Yemeni opposition leader Yassin Noman said Saleh should
resign immediately.

Yassin Noman: "A president like him, governed this country for 33 years,
he should give this country a peaceful—I mean, peaceful future. Do
you see?"

Reporter: "Yeah. Should he—do you think he would be able to stay
in Yemen after he leaves?"

Yassin Noman: "Yeah, of course, of course. If he—they will assure
him a very, very—I mean, a very nice life. His dignity will be
kept by people, if he left peacefully."



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