Defectors set up own Yemen party

Several senior figures who defected from the Yemeni president's camp set up their own opposition party yesterday in another blow to the ruler who has clung to power despite near-daily protests demanding his removal.

Meanwhile, police in a southern port town fired tear gas and live ammunition at thousands of protesters calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down, injuring 45 people.

In the capital, Sanaa, several top figures and MPs - many of them defectors from Saleh's ruling Congress Party - set up their own party, entitled "Justice and Construction Bloc" and issued a statement insisting that Saleh relinquish power.

Mohammed Abulahoum, who is also a leader of the powerful Bakeel tribe, the second-largest tribe in Yemen, is among the founding members. Khaled al-Wazeer, who was transport minister before he defected, is also among the party's founders.