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Yemen government, rebels sign peace deal

Yemeni government and Shiite rebels sign agreement; new government to be established.

By Danielle Haynes
His Excellency Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, President of the Republic of Yemen addresses the United Nations at the 67th United Nations General Assembly in the UN building in New York City on September 26, 2012. UPI/John Angelillo
His Excellency Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, President of the Republic of Yemen addresses the United Nations at the 67th United Nations General Assembly in the UN building in New York City on September 26, 2012. UPI/John Angelillo | License Photo

SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The Sunni-led Yemeni government and Shiite Houthi rebels signed a U.N.-brokered peace agreement, putting a halt to deadly fighting on Sunday.

As part of the agreement, which came hours after Yemeni Prime Minister Mohammed Saleh Basindwa resigned, a new government will be established and rebels will nominate a new prime minister.

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The Houthis, who adhere to the Zaidi branch of Shia Islam, wanted to overthrow the Sunni-majority government which they regarded as corrupt. An increase in fighting between the Houthis and Sunni tribesmen in September led to anti-government demonstrations and sit-ins in Sanaa, the capital, after government fuel subsidies were cut and fuel prices rose.

Prior to signing the agreement, rebels had seized government headquarters, the defense ministry and state broadcasters Sunday.

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