Yemeni president says he won't seek another term

Ali Abdullah Saleh tells members of parliament that he will step down after his term ends and suspends a controversial vote that was scheduled for April.

Powered by automated translation

SANA'A // Yemen's president has told parliament he will not seek another term in office or hand power to his son - an apparent reaction to protests in his own country that have been inspired by Tunisia's revolt and the turmoil in Egypt.

Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power for nearly 32 years, spoke on Wednesday to legislators in both houses of the assembly.

Mr Saleh said: "I won't seek to extend my presidency for another term or have my son inherit it."

Activists and opposition supporters have staged several protests in Sana'a, boldly asking for Mr Saleh's removal and decrying reports he plans to install his son in power. The opposition has called for mass anti-Saleh rallies for Thursday in all provinces.

* Associated Press