Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Yemen’s capital Sanaa at the weekend in rival demonstrations for and against the country’s president, Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The pro-government rally was addressed by president Saleh and the Financial Times reported that he told his followers he would sacrifice his “blood and soul” for his country.

Despite the high turnout of rival protesters, the geographical distance between the pro-government rally at Sabayeen Square and the anti-government protest site near Sanaa University ensured that no violent clashes took place.

MEED reported in late March that Saleh was negotiating his exit from power, but in light of the recent rally it appears that talks may have stalled (MEED 27:03:11).