Yemeni President Says he Won’t Seek Another Term or Hand Power to his Son

Yemen's president has told parliament he will not seek another term in office or hand power to his son — an apparent reaction to protests in his own country that have been inspired by Tunisia's revolt and the turmoil in Egypt.

The U.S.-allied Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power for nearly 32 years, spoke Wednesday to lawmakers in both houses of the assembly.

Saleh said: "I won't seek to extend my presidency for another term or have my son inherit it."

Activists and opposition supporters have staged several protests in Sanaa, boldly asking for Saleh's removal and decrying reports he plans to install his son in power.

The opposition has called for mass anti-Saleh rallies for Thursday in all provinces.

The Yemeni president also announced a postponement of legislative elections due in April.(AP-Naharnet)