Yemen Protests Continue

Anti-government protests are continuing in Yemen, though they still don't seem on the same scale as those in Tunisia and Egypt:

"At least three anti-government protesters were wounded yesterday when they clashed with pro-government demonstrators during the fifth consecutive day of street protests over the rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

"The pro-democracy protesters, inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, marched from Sana'a University towards Mr Saleh's palace demanding he step down after 32 years in power.

"Mr Saleh said on February 2 that he would not seek to extend his term when it expires in 2013 and that his son would not succeed him as president...

"In Taiz city, 250 kilometres south of Sana'a, thousands continued protests yesterday for a fifth day, demanding an end to Mr Saleh's rule. His goverment is battling criplling poverty and unemployment as well as a secessionist movement in the south, a rebellion in the north, and al Qa'eda militants.

"With the protests showing no signs of ending, Mr Saleh announced yesterday that his office was open 'to listen to the views' of 'various segments of society from all the republic's provinces'."