The UN Security Council has called on Yemen’s president to quit power and end repression.

A British-drafted resolution, passed unanimously, encourages Ali Abdullah Saleh to reach a deal based on a Gulf Arab initiative, and condemns what it calls Yemen’s violation of human rights.

“This is the first Security Council resolution on the situation in Yemen and the consensus vote reflects the very deep international concern about the deteriorating political, humanitarian, security and economic situation in Yemen,” said the UK’s ambassador to the UN, Mark Lyall Grant.

Under the Gulf deal, rejected by Saleh, he would get immunity from prosecution.

Friday again saw large anti-government protests, tens of thousands turning out in Sanaa for Friday prayers to hear a preacher call for a ‘new Yemen’.

A separate, smaller pro-Saleh demonstration, heard speakers repeat his position that changing the government would require an election.