Yemen mulls constitutional changes

Parliament in Yemen is being asked to consider constitutional changes which include extending the presidential term and the life of the parliament.

President Ali Abdullah Salih yesterday submitted proposals that the elected parliament should sit for six years instead of the current four, and that the presidential term should be extended from five to seven years.

He said the changes would help ensure stability for the legislative authorities.

Parliament is expected to discuss the proposals on Wednesday.

Correspondents say it's expected the amendments will be approved by the parliament -- where the president's General People's Congress has a majority.

They would then be put to a referendum.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service