President Ali Abdullah Saleh unexpectedly returned to Yemen after three months in Saudi Arabia, calling for a ceasefire.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh unexpectedly returned to Yemen after three months in Saudi Arabia, calling for a ceasefire between his supporters and opponents after five days of fierce fighting in the capital.
Mr Saleh's reappearance raised big questions over the future of the Arabian Peninsula state, which has been paralysed by protests against his 33-year rule since January.
Violence in the capital Sanaa broke out earlier this week, when a months-old standoff between loyalist troops and forces backing anti-Saleh protesters turned into a full-blown military showdown that killed more than 100 people in five days.
The country also faces a worsening insurgency by al-Qaeda, an uneasy truce with Shia fighters in the north and separatism in the south.
Moments after state television's announcement of his return from Saudi Arabia, where he had been recovering from severe burns received during an assassination attempt, the capital's streets erupted with bursts of gunfire and fireworks.
Shelling was also taking place in the capital's Hasaba district.
Mr Saleh called for a ceasefire so that talks could be held.
"The solution is not in the mouths of rifles and guns, it is in dialogue and stopping bloodshed," the defence ministry quoted Saleh as saying.
Many Yemenis saw his return as an attempt to rally for war and said they now expected more bloodshed.
His return sharply divided Yemenis, with supporters joyfully predicting that he could restore order, and opponents saying they feared his presence would unleash bloodshed.
Radio stations blared celebratory music and thousands gathered at a pro-Saleh rally waving flags, beating drums and honking horns.
A newsflash on Yemen TV warned people not to fire into the air in celebration in case stray bullets hit bystanders
source
rte.
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