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Yemenis Mark Muslim Holiday by Calling for President's Ouster


Protesters shout slogans during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Sana'a, August, 2011
Protesters shout slogans during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Sana'a, August, 2011

Anti-government activists in Yemen marked the holiday at the end of the Muslim holy month, Ramadan, by renewing calls for President Ali Abdullah Saleh's resignation.

Thousands of protesters rallied against the president on Tuesday during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

The protests come a day after Saleh again vowed to hold presidential elections and enact reforms. State-run media reports quote him as saying his government can find constitutional solutions to overcome the "dangerous phase" in his country's history that is threatening its unity and democracy.

Saleh commented from Saudi Arabia. He has been in the neighboring country since June, recovering from injuries sustained in an attack on his presidential compound.

The Yemeni government has been battling suspected al-Qaida militants as it also deals with dissent.

On Monday, officials said 10 soldiers had been killed in battles with al-Qaida militants in the volatile south.

Officials said the fighting occurred Sunday and Monday as government troops advanced toward Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

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