Yemen's president offers more concessions

SANAA, Yemen, March 25 (UPI) -- Youth protesters are called on to form a legitimate political party to avoid weakening the Yemeni state, the country's embattled president said Friday.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has faced months of pressure to stand down. Opposition groups continue calling for his immediate resignation despite a series of political concessions, including a slow transfer of authority.

Saleh addressed the crowds in Sanaa saying "yes to security" and "no to chaos and sabotage" before what the official Saba news agency described as "millions of citizens."

"We, in the leadership, do not want power and do not need it, and we are willing to hand over power to safe hands, not to frivolous, sick, hateful and corrupt hands," he was quoted by Saba as saying.

Some of the country's top generals threw their support behind the opposition after more than 50 protesters were killed last week.

Saleh stressed Friday he was ready to work with protesters, saying they should form a political party rather than push the country closer to chaos.

"These concessions, which we offer, are for the homeland," he added.