Thousands rally against government in Yemen

In this file photoYemeni activist Tawakul Karman chants slogans calling on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to leave the government and follow Tunisian ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali into exile during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen. AP.

Tens of thousands of Yemenis have taken to the streets in the country?s capital, calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh?s ouster.

The protests are taking place at four different locations across Sanaa, led by opposition members and youth activists. The crowds are chanting for an end to the government of Mr. Saleh, who has been in power for nearly 32 years.

The rally is inspired by Tunisia?s popular revolt that topped that country?s ruler and this week?s deadly protests that have gripped Egypt.

Impoverished Yemen is grappling with a resurgent al-Qaeda, a northern rebellion and a secessionist movement in the south.

Mr. Saleh has tried to defuse simmering tensions by denying opponents? claims he plans to install his son as his successor and by raising salaries for the army.