Regretful Yemen President Saleh Calls It Quits

Stepping down Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has ruled the country for more than 3 decades. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Yemeni President Ali Abullah Saleh has left the country and apparently his position, according to an official statement.

According to information from the presidential office, Saleh is off to receive treatment in the USA. Earlier state media had broadcast a farewell address on the part of the embattled Yemen president.

"I am leaving for treatment in the United States and I will return as the leader of the General People's Congress party," said he.

"I beg all men and women in Yemen for forgiveness for every weakness I have committed during my 33-year rule," added Saleh.

The embattled Yemeni president had signed a power transition agreement in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh in November 2011, which mandated he will leave his position by February 2012.

Yemen was among the first countries to experience pro-democracy protests that turned into the Arab Spring, after rallies started to be held in February 2011.

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