President Saleh has called on international organizations to observe the upcoming controversial parliamentary elections planned for April 2011.

The announcement was made when he delivered a speech during the launch of the electoral campaign of the ruling party in Yemen's business capital Aden on Sunday.

We welcome international monitors to observe the upcoming elections as we renew our call for the opposition to live up to the nation level and abandon tiny matters, he said.

From Aden, we launch our campaign to add to other events including those deemed as turning points in Yemen's history, he said.

"I also urge to avoid obstinacy and useless propaganda because the country does not need speech. Your country needs your true and helpful deeds."

Saleh also criticized the Yemeni Socialist Party, saying:" we have been tackling the remnants and conspiracies of the totalitarian regime for 21 years."

"There is no need to dig the house of wasps and to open 'fatty files'. We seek tolerance and to turn a new leaf with which the nation interest should be put above other interests."

The campaign comes amid the continuous protest of the JMP against unilateral moves by the ruling party including voting for and passing the controversial election law and forming the election commission form judges.

In recent months, the political turmoil has widened, particularly amid continuous preparations of the ruling party for the upcoming elections expected to be boycotted by the opposition, and the disrupted efforts to hold a national dialog.

The JMP has recently said the ruling party is responsible for the current mess, arguing if the elections take place, none can ensure they will not be rigged.