Yemenis are marking the first Friday of Ramadan with rallies across the country.

State media reports say supporters of President Ali Abdullah Saleh gathered for a street march in the capital, Sana'a, for what was dubbed the “Friday of Tolerance.”

Meanwhile, the French News Agency (AFP) says large crowds of Mr. Saleh's opponents protested elsewhere in the capital and in the city of Taiz.

Mr. Saleh remains in Saudi Arabia, recovering from injuries sustained in a June attack on his presidential compound. Last week, he issued a statement calling for an end to the months of street protests during the month of Ramadan.

Government opponents have been demanding the president's resignation. The opposition has rejected Mr. Saleh's invitations to negotiate, saying talks can only take place after he agrees to leave office.