Saleh could stay in Yemen after transfer: opposition

Reuters, SANAA | Tue Mar 22, 2011

(Reuters) - Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh would be able to live a secure and dignified life in Yemen if he stepped down peacefully after three decades in power, an opposition leader said on Tuesday.

Yassin Noman, rotating head of Yemen's opposition coalition, said Saleh should avoid a violent fight to remain in power that could tear the country apart and lead to more instability in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state.

"He shouldn't follow the style of (Libyan leader Muammar) Gaddafi by destroying the country and killing people. After this long term of governing, he should say: Thank you my people, I leave you peacefully," Noman said.

"I know the morality of Yemeni people. If he left peacefully, they will look at him as a real leader. He will be able to live wherever he likes," he added in an interview.

"They will ensure him a very nice life. His dignity will be kept."

Top generals, ambassadors and some tribes have thrown their support behind Yemen's anti-government protesters, deserting Saleh after police including rooftop snipers shot dead 52 anti-government protesters after Muslim prayers on Friday.

Saleh, who has called a state of emergency and sacked his cabinet after the violence, continued to see fresh defections on Tuesday as calls mounted for his departure.

Saleh told defecting army commanders they were pushing the country toward civil war by nurturing ambitions of a 'coup'.

On Monday, Saleh asked Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal to mediate and state media said he had dispatched his foreign minister to Riyadh with a message for Saudi leaders. But a diplomat said there was no sign of success so far in resolving the crisis.

"We talk. We always talk. But I think all the outlets are closed now," Noman said. "The decision is in his hands."

(Writing by Cynthia Johnston)

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