BBC News with Zoe Diamond

The Arab League has urged Syria to start a political dialogue with the opposition within two weeks and form a national unity government within two months. It also asked Syria to hold multiparty elections under a new constitution. The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, spoke on behalf of the Arab League in Cairo.

"And we call on the Arab League to find (out) financial support for this to set up a commission to investigate the killing and also for finding compensation for the victims, and also for preparing a

constituent

assembly based on transparent and fair elections."

The Arab League also

reiterated

a call on the Syrian government to free detainees and allow demonstrations. It said that it would ask the United Nations to support the plan for a transition to multiparty democracy.

The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has left the country after giving a speech asking forgiveness for any mistakes during his 33 years in power.

"I thank our men and women for how they have withstood 11 months of hunger and power cuts and lack of services. And I applaud the people- a

steadfast

, heroic struggling people. And I ask forgiveness of all my

compatriots

, men and women, for any mistakes during my 33 years in power. I ask forgiveness and offer my apologies to all Yemenis."

Yemeni officials say President Saleh has gone to Oman. In his speech, Mr Saleh said that he would be travelling shortly to the United States for further medical treatment but would later return to Yemen. The speech came a day after parliament granted him full