Yemeni protesters sceptical of latest Saleh resignation pledge

When Yemen’s three decade ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh announced he was stepping down from power in days on Saturday, you would expect the opposition to be celebrating in the streets, but only a very few of them believe his words.There is a strong reason for the high level of distrust as Saleh has made three similar pledges in the past year since massive protests, inspired by the Arab Spring that toppled dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, have sought to transform Yemen into a democracy.Yemen has held elections for years, but neutral observers say the results are always a foregone conclusion as Saleh has maintained a grip on power for 33 years.Protester Ismail Shamakh said he was encouraged by the latest pledge, but remembers too well Salehs three reversals on a Gulf Co-operation Council mediation deal that sees him step aside ahead of elections in return for immunity from prosecution.We say yes to this (latest pledge) but we are now used to his speeches. I think that he said he will step down in days in his speech so he can re-organise himself, he said.Kawther al-Matari, echoed the deep sentiment of mistrust.“Ali Abdullah Salehs speech is lies, he wanted to pre-occupy the Yemeni people and the world with his useless speech. His speech was lie to the Yemeni nation and the world as a whole, I believe he will not hand over power,” she said.