WH: Yemen's leader telephones regret over remarks

WASHINGTON- Mar 2, 2011- The White House says Yemen's president has telephoned his regret for any misunderstanding caused by his public accusations that the U.S. and Israel are behind the unrest threatening his 32-year rule.

During Wednesday's call with homeland security adviser John Brennan, President Ali Abdullah Saleh also reaffirmed his commitment to meaningful political reform. Thousands of people have been demonstrating across the Middle Eastern country in support of democratic change and Saleh's ouster.

Brennan responded that comments that seek to lay blame for recent developments in the region are unhelpful.

On Tuesday, Saleh accused President Barack Obama of meddling in the affairs of Arab countries. He asked whether Obama is president of the United States or president of the Arab world. Saleh also said Israel was behind the protest movement.

Source: AP