Yemen protesters defy security forces with new march

Sana'a, May 16, 2011 - Tens of thousands of protesters defied Yemen's security forces Monday by marching through the streets of several cities, calling on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to resign.

The protesters, who had previously been restrained by warnings from government officials, rallied in the northern province of Saada and in the southern Aden, a day after a soldier was killed and another injured in the city of Zunjubar.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a solution to the crisis appeared on the brink of collapse after diplomatic sources suggested that talks between the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and the Yemeni opposition and ruling party may be suspended.

Saleh, president for 32 years, has refused to quit, despite the unrest that has gripped the country for almost four months.