The GCC has pulled out of the mediation process in Yemen after President Ali Abdullah Saleh has refused to sign a deal to stand down.

GCC diplomats had brokered a deal that would have led to Saleh’s resignation in June in exchange for his immunity from prosecution. The proposed deal would have involved Saleh stepping down and a unity government from across the political spectrum taking over until free elections could be held.

But Saleh refused to sign the agreement because opposition representatives were not present at the ceremony at his palace, according to state TV.

The GCC said in a statement that it was suspending the mediation process due to a ‘’lack of stable conditions”.