By DPA,
Washington: US President Barack Obama condemned violence taking place in Yemen Friday as police reportedly fired on anti-government protesters in the country’s capital, killing at least 50 people.
“I strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in Yemen,” Obama said in a statement, calling on Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh “to adhere to his public pledge to allow demonstrations to take place peacefully. Those responsible for today’s violence must be held accountable”.
Saleh has denied that police fired on the protesters and called a nationwide state of emergency. He said the demonstrators had been attacked by thugs who infiltrated the protests.
Eyewitnesses said the attacks was carried out by police in civilian clothes.
Obama called for “political change” in Yemen, urging both sides to join in “an open and transparent process that addresses the legitimate concerns of the Yemeni people.”