Yemen president promoted

The Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has been promoted in military rank from general to field marshal.

Correspondents say Mr Saleh remains the highest ranking officer in Yemen, his elevation coinciding with the promotion to general of the Vice President, Abed Rabbo Mansur Hadi.

State radio said parliament approved the honour for Mr Saleh in recognition of his leadership and political, economic and social achievements.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service