Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said today he will not seek to extend his three-decade rule when his current presidential term expires in 2013.
Saleh, who is a key U.S. ally against Al-Qaeda, also pledged not to pass on the reins of government to his son.
Saleh told parliament and members of the military that the "concessions" were made in the interests of the country.
His remarks came a day before a planned rally, dubbed a "Day of Rage," announced by the opposition.
A 16,000-strong protest last week in the capital called for Saleh to leave.
Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the world, is fighting both separatism and Al-Qaeda-inspired terrorism.
compiled from agency reports
Saleh, who is a key U.S. ally against Al-Qaeda, also pledged not to pass on the reins of government to his son.
Saleh told parliament and members of the military that the "concessions" were made in the interests of the country.
His remarks came a day before a planned rally, dubbed a "Day of Rage," announced by the opposition.
A 16,000-strong protest last week in the capital called for Saleh to leave.
Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the world, is fighting both separatism and Al-Qaeda-inspired terrorism.
compiled from agency reports
