Yemeni protesters announce shadow government

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/9747363

Associated Press= SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Senior protest figures in Yemen on Saturday announced the formation of a shadow government they say will prepare to run the country should the embattled regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh collapse.

The move seeks to create a united leadership for the protesters who have filled public square across Yemen for five months, calling for an end to autocratic ruler's 32-year reign. Still, Saturday's announcement is unlikely to increase pressure on Saleh significantly.

The new body highlights the gap between Yemen's protesters and Yemen's official opposition parties, who protesters say were late in joining the anti-regime rallies inspired by those in Tunisia and Egypt. Many protesters criticize the parties for seeking to negotiate Saleh's exit instead of trying to bring down his entire regime.

Abdu al-Janadi, a spokesman for Saleh's government, said the move "pours gas on the fire."