Yemenis approve constitutional changes

The electoral authorities in Yemen say that more than seventy per-cent of voters approved constitutional changes in last month's referendum.

The changes include an extension of the president's term of office to seven years, instead of five, and the creation of an appointed body which some critics fear will undermine the elected parliament.

The referendum was held on the same day as local elections, but these results are not yet available.

According to partial results, the ruling General Popular Congress holds a commanding lead over the Islamic opposition party, Al-Islah.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service