Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh apologized for blaming the unrest threatening his 32-year rule on the United States and Israel.
The White House on Thursday said that Saleh telephoned Washington on Wednesday to express his “regret for any misunderstanding caused by his public accusations”.
Homeland security adviser John Brennan told Saleh that he appreciated the call, but said that comments seeking to lay blame for recent developments in the region are unhelpful as they "ignore the legitimate aspirations of people in the Arab world."
On Tuesday, Saleh accused US President Barack Obama of meddling in the affairs of Arab countries. He asked whether Obama was president of the United States or president of the Arab world. Saleh also said Israel was behind the protest movement.
Saleh also reaffirmed his commitment to meaningful political reform in Yemen. "President Saleh also said … that he is reaching out to opposition elements in an effort to achieve reform through a democratic, inclusive, and peaceful process," Brennan related of his conversation with Saleh.
Thousands of people have been demonstrating across the Middle Eastern country in support of democratic change and Saleh's ouster.
OPPOSITION, CLERICSOFFER SALEH’S “SMOOTH EXIT”
Also on Thursday, opposition groups and religious leaders have offered Saleh plans for a smooth exit from power by the end of 2011, an opposition spokesman said Thursday.
The proposed accord calls for a "peaceful transition of power" from Saleh, insists anti-regime demonstrations that broke out two weeks ago will go on, and demands a probe be launched into a deadly crackdown on protesters.
"We've agreed on a settlement proposal including a roadmap for the president's departure before the end of this year," said opposition parliamentary spokesman Mohammed al-Sabri.
The five-point plan was agreed upon during "a meeting with religious scholars," said Sabri.
Saleh should announce it to the people, who would then "decide whether to accept or reject this proposal," said a statement by the Common Forum, an alliance of parliamentary opposition.
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River to Sea
Uprooted Palestinian
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