In Yemen Anti-government protests continue.....

In Yemen Anti-government protests continue following an informal ceasefire.

The confrontation between tribal groups and government forces broke out when President Saleh s security forces attacked the home of Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, head of the powerful Hasid tribal confederation.

 Tribal fighters came to al-Ahmar s defence and seized a number of government buildings in Sanaa.

 The agreement includes the withdrawal of armed tribesmen occupying government buildings and moves to normalise life in Sanaa.

 But the agreement with troops led by opposition tribal leader, Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, has not placated die-hard anti-government demonstrators, who are still staging major protests. But protesters continue to demand President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.

 The prolonged political crisis in the country has cost the economy as much as 5 billion US dollars. Yemen s trade minister says immediate aid is needed to prevent a meltdown in the economy worth 31 billion US dollars.