Forces, protesters clash erupt for third consecutive day in Yemen

Violent clashes between security forces and protesters erupted for a third consecutive day in Yemen as demonstrators continue to seek the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Witnesses said plainclothes security men today opened fire on anti-government protesters in the southern city of Taiz, a day after shootings there killed at least 15 people.The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed alarm at what it terms reports of disproportionate and excessive use of force, including machine guns, against peaceful protesters in Taiz yesterday. International pressure is mounting for President Saleh to leave office.The European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton issued a statement today saying the transition must begin now. The U.S. State Department has called the violence in Yemen appalling amid signs of mounting U.S. pressure on President Saleh to relinquish power.Meanwhile, a Yemeni opposition spokesman said U.S. and European diplomats were in contact with Mr. Saleh and also asked anti-government leaders for their vision for a transition. The Gulf Arab states have invited Yemeni government and opposition representatives to talks in Saudi Arabia.