Witnesses say helicopters in Yemen have airlifted the ambassadors of the U.S., Britain and Gulf Arab nations who were trapped inside a diplomatic mission surrounded by armed loyalists to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.The loyalists surrounded the United Arab Emirates Embassy in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, on Sunday. They blocked roads and roamed the streets near the mission, where the ambassadors were discussing a Gulf region-brokered deal that would have Saleh transfer power within a month.
Hundreds of thousands of anti-Saleh protesters Sunday poured into Sana'a's central square, which has become the center of opposition protests.
Yemen's president appears to be backing out
Plans to sign the deal have already stalled twice because of objections by the Yemeni leader.
Yemen's opposition signed the pact Saturday with the understanding that the president would sign the agreement Sunday. The agreement offers Saleh immunity from prosecution if he transfers power to a deputy within 30 days of signing.