Protesters need permission for demonstrations in Yemen

Sana'a: Yemeni authorities said they would not allow any protest demonstrations without a permission from the government.

The step came after a meeting of the supreme council of national defence chaired by President Ali Abdullah Saleh yesterday.

Those who "violated the constitution and laws" in the previous protest will be referred to courts, a statement issued after the meeting said.

Money allocated for infrastructure and development projects of the provinces will be transferred to local authorities in that provinces, the statement said.

Local governance with wide powers through electing chiefs of provinces and districts will be adopted after amending the current law, the statement said.

Senior officials have started field visits to find out solutions for the problems behind the riot and violence in the southern provinces, official sources said yesterday.

The cabinet has told ministers to oversee the implementation of infrastructure and development projects in the areas where protests erupted. The process of youth recruitment in the army has stopped by a cabinet decree until the Defence Ministry adopts a new system with "fair standards".

Not allowing some unemployed youths to join the army last month was the main reason behind the protests.

President Saleh has invited all Members of Parliament to attend a special meeting at the Presidential House today to discuss the situation. Some MPs played down the importance of the meeting, saying there is a need for a national conference to solve the crisis rather than official meetings.