Sana'a: President Ali Abdullah Saleh vowed to "stand firm" in the face of a growing campaign for his ouster, in a speech before a huge crowd of regime supporters in the Yemeni capital on Friday.
In a speech broadcast on national TV, Saleh said he was prepared to hand over power but only to 'safe hands'.
"We will stand firm with you...steadfast in the face of all challenges," Saleh said, before the crowd broke into applause.
He was prepared to make concessions to avoid bloodshed, the Yemeni president said.
Yemenis, including soldiers who have defected to the strengthening opposition and tribesman marching in support of the government, poured into Sana'a Friday for rallies.
