LOC11:15
08:15 GMT
SANAA, Dec 3 (KUNA) -- Yemen's Vice-President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi
called on the provincial governor in Taez and opposition parties of the Joint
Meeting Parties (JMP) to observe an immediate ceasefire.
Hadi, to whom President Ali Abdullah Saleh has transferred his powers,
asked for the formation of a commission aimed at withdrawing pro-Saleh
military and tribal troops in order to secure stability in Taez.
On Friday, Hadi had already ordered an immediate ceasefire in all areas of
tension after violence flared in the city when troops loyal to Yemen outgoing
president Ali Abdullah Saleh extensively shelled the city. Nonetheless, the
violent unrest continued until late the same day.
Mohammed Basindwa, a former foreign minister designated by opposition
parties to lead the "National Unity Government", condemned the ongoing heavy
bombardment on Taez by pro-Saleh troops.
He described the violence as "intentional act to fail the Riyadh initiative.
"
He demanded the Vice-President give clear orders for an immediate ceasefire
or his side would rethink its commitment to the pact if the killing in Taez
did not stop.
The pact is an agreement signed by opposition parties and Saleh to have a
cabinet line-up with Salehs party.
Latest medical statistics showed that five civilians were killed, on
Friday, rising the death toll to 15 in less than three days.
Tens of others were injured due to the ongoing violence in Taez city
between Saleh royalists and opposition tribal troops. (end)
az.nfm
KUNA 031115 Dec 11NNNN