DHAKA: Thousands of separatists demanding secession took to the streets of Aden on Saturday to mark the anniversary in 1967 of the independence of former South Yemen.

The demonstrators came from across the south and gathered on Parade Square in the centre of Aden, waving flags of the former South Yemen and carrying banners with pro-independence slogans.

Security forces watched the crowds from a distance, particularly around public buildings and police and army posts.

Some protesters chanted slogans denouncing the national dialogue, talks aimed at drawing up a new constitution and preparing for elections, and which have faltered partly because of the southern issue, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1922 HRS, OCT 12, 2013
RoR/RIS