Yemeni opposition suggests way out of crisis

A spokesman for a coalition of Yemeni opposition groups say the alliance has suggested a plan to end the country's political crisis that would involve President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepping down by the end of the year.

The spokesman, Mohammed al-Sabri, says the five-point plan was sent to Saleh on Wednesday through religious scholars. He says the opposition is waiting for a response.

In recent weeks, Yemen has been rocked by daily protests inspired by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

Saleh, a key ally in the U.S. campaign against the al-Qaida terror network, has promised to step down after national elections in 2013, an offer rejected by the opposition.

Al-Sabri said Thursday the suggestions also call for an investigation into the deaths of protesters in recent weeks.