Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in main squares across Yemen on Friday, even as President Ali Abdullah Saleh called on his supporters to rally in support of him, DPA reported.
In the capital, Sana'a, thousands gathered in Taghyeer square, the focal point of protests over the past weeks.
"Saleh's regime fell already, but they are betting on our patience and strong will," a cleric told protesters in Sana'a ahead of Friday prayers.
"Our revolution is peaceful and will remain peaceful," he said. Many expect clashes to erupt between anti-government and pro-Saleh protesters.
The embattled president addressed his supporters, gathered from provinces across the country, in al-Sabein square near the presidential palace, after the government called on them in a bid to regain control in the face of the protests calling on Saleh to step down.
"With my soul and blood, I will redeem these masses," Saleh told his supporters in a brief address.
Anti-government protesters gave up a plan to march towards the presidential palace to avoid clashes.
Demonstrations began in Yemen in February, with protesters calling for the ouster of Saleh who has been in power since 1978.
Saleh has rejected demands to step down, saying those who were against him should challenge him in elections.
Presidential elections are due in 2013.
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