Yemeni President promises to leave the country

The president's promise followed attacks by the country's troops on more than 100,000 protesters who were peacefully marching into the capital.

At least nine people were killed. The troops were given orders by Saleh's son and nephew.

The people had marched for four days to pressure the government not to give Saleh immunity from prosecution. After protesters arrived at the southern entrances to the capital, forces of the elite Republican Guard fired on them with automatic weapons, tear gas and water cannons.

In late November Saleh handed over his powers to the vice president and committed to leave office in return for immunity.

But Saleh retained his title and remained in the presidential palace.

Saleh had been expected to leave Yemen soon after he signed the U.S.- and Saudi-backed accord, ostensibly to undergo treatment for wounds suffered in an assassination attempt in June. But officials say he has stalled on leaving.

Hours after the fighting erupted in Sanaa, Saleh told reporters at his palace that he would leave "in the coming days" for the U.S.