Saleh says he'll resign 90 days from deal

SANAA, Yemen, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said he intends to step down within 90 days of reaching a transfer of power plan to end the crisis in the country.

"When the Gulf [Cooperation Council] initiative is agreed upon and signed and when a time frame is set for its implementation, and elections take place, the president will leave," Saleh told France 24 in an interview in Sanaa. "The timetable has been decided -- 90 days [following an agreement]."

Saleh told France 24 he gave Vice President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi the power to negotiate a deal with the opposition on forming a transitional government and organizing future presidential elections, the news network reported Monday.

Saleh said he had never "refused to sign" the GCC agreement, but wanted to "read it and work on a mechanism" to implement it.

"I already wanted to leave power in 2006," Saleh said, but "exceptional circumstances" forced him to stay.

"I have been in power for more than 33 years in Yemen," said Saleh, who spent months recuperating in Saudi Arabia from injuries he sustained earlier this year when his residence was bombed. "I've overcome lots of problems, there's been fascinating moments. But as far as I'm concerned anyone that hangs onto power is a madman."

Yemen has been rocked by a popular revolt that began in January and since has degenerated into battles between rival troops and tribesmen. Government troops have responded violently, prompting global leaders to pressure Saleh to step down.

Despite his assurances, several opposition party leaders told Bikyamasr.com Saleh was trying to delay negotiations to preserve his power until a new president is elected.