Yemeni Saleh signs power transfer deal

Embattled Yemeni ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh has finally signed a power transition deal and resigned as president after almost 10 months of nationwide protests demanding his ouster.

Saleh signed the deal proposed by Persian Gulf’s Arab states in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

SUnder the deal, Saleh will hand over powers to Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi but remain honorary president for 90 days until elections in January. He will also enjoy immunity from prosecution.

The development caused new protests and clashes in Yemen, where the people demand the unpopular president’s trial.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Saleh has told him that he will travel to New York for medical treatment following his resignation.