Yemenis rejoice as President Saleh leaves Yemen

[emezico]

Thousands of people in Yemen are celebrating the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Saudi Arabia.

He left on Saturday to be treated for injuries he received in an attack on his presidential compound on Friday.

Many celebrated in the capital, Sanaa's University Square; others were on the streets chanting and waving flags.

But explosions and gunfights have also taken place in Sanaa and Taiz in the south. It remains unclear whether Mr Saleh will return to Yemen.

His departure leaves him in a much weakened position, analysts say.

Saudi Arabia, which shares a 1,500km (930-mile) border with Yemen, has been active in trying to broker a transition of power in Yemen.

Even if President Saleh wants to return to Yemen it is unlikely Saudi Arabia will allow him, says BBC Middle East correspondent Jon Leyne.


Source: BBC