Yemen's Saleh gives up power, leaves for U.S.

SANAA, Yemen — Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh left his battered nation Sunday on his way to the U.S. for medical treatment after passing power to his deputy and asking for forgiveness for any "shortcomings" during his 33-year reign.

But in a sign that Saleh's role as Yemen's top power broker is likely far from over, he said he would return to Yemen before the official power transfer next month to serve as the head of his ruling party.

Saleh's departure marks a small achievement in the months of diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and Yemen's powerful Gulf neighbors to ease the nearly year-old political crisis in the Arab world's poorest country. An active al Qaeda branch there has taken advantage of the turmoil, stepping up operations and seizing territory.

After months of diplomatic pressure and mass protests calling for his ouster, Saleh signed a deal in November to transfer authority to his vice president in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Still, Saleh continued to exercise power behind the scenes, sparking accusations he sought to scuttle the deal and cling to power.

His departure could help the deal go forward.

Officials: U.S. seeks new home for Yemen's Saleh
Yemen's leader causes headaches in Washington

Presidential spokesman Ahmed al-Soufi told The Associated Press that Saleh left Yemen's capital Sanaa late Sunday on a plane headed for the Gulf sultanate of Oman. He did not say how long Saleh would remain there, but added that he would make "another stop before heading to the United States of America."

Protesters react to the news of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's departure, in Sanaa, Yemen, Jan. 22, 2012.

(Credit: AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)

A senior administration official said Ali Abdullah Saleh would travel to New York this week, and probably stay in the U.S. until no later than the end of February. U.S. officials believe Saleh's exit from Yemen could lower the risk of disruptions in the lead-up to presidential elections planned there on Feb. 21.

The Obama administration faced a dilemma in deciding whether to let Saleh enter the U.S. after he requested a visa last month. It has long seen getting Saleh out of Yemen as an important step in ensuring the power transfer goes forward.

But some in the administration worried that welcoming Saleh would spark charges from the Arab world that the U.S. was harboring an autocrat responsible for deadly crackdowns on protesters.

To protect against this, the administration has sought assurances that Saleh will not seek to remain in the U.S.

An official close to Saleh said Sunday the president would undergo medical exams in Oman before heading to the U.S. The U.S. has forbidden him from any political activity in the U.S., the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorize to disclose diplomatic talks.

Saleh is likely seeking treatment for injuries sustained in a blast in his palace mosque last June 3 that left him badly burned. After the attack, Saleh traveled to Saudi Arabia for treatment, leaving many to suspect his power was waning. A few months later, however, he made a surprise return to Yemen and resumed his post.

Under the power transfer deal signed in November, Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi is to be rubber-stamped as the country's new leader in presidential elections. The political parties that signed the deal agreed not to nominate any other candidates.

In a farewell speech Friday reported by Yemeni state media, Saleh said he was passing his powers to Hadi, whom he promoted to the rank of marshal.

Saleh portrayed himself as a patriot who "gave his life in the service of the nation," called for reconciliation and apologized for any mistakes.

"I ask for forgiveness from all sons of the nation, women and men, for any shortcomings during my 33 years in office," Saleh said according to Yemen's state news agency.

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[longtree-2009]

why do people tolerate a leader for 33 years? why do britons tolerate their do nothing royalty? is it ruling with an iron fist or the people's culture or the people's lack of something?

[augustus66]

Do we not learn from History??!! This is the same type of thing/situation that took place in Iran, after they threw out the Shah.....

[josephp5]

Obama may feel that he owes this tyrannical thug a favor. After all, Saleh helped Obama track down U.S. citizen Al Alwaki in Yemen, permitting him to be assassinated with a drone missile (as well as Al Alwaki's 16 year old son, also a U.S. citizen, a week later in the same fashion).

But it can be seen why much of the Arab world does not see the U.S. as the promoter of liberty, when it supports and protects the criminals that enslaved and killed their people.

[mryoubrian]

This is just sickening. He should be hung out to dry. Show him video of what happened to Gaddafi and tell him if he does not leave then the same fate will befall him.

And we are going to allow this butcher to remain in politics under a promise he won't hurt anyone again? he will be the head of his party. Effectively running things from behind the scene like Putin.

Not to mention that fact that the people of Yemen will hold this against the USA because when they wanted peace and freedom from a tyrant.....we sided with the tyrant.

Do not be surprised when they turn to another tyrant to get rid of the first. Who are the only ones with enough power to eliminate Saleh from power and send him to sleep with the fishes?

Al Qaeda.