Activists say fresh clashes between Yemeni government forces and opponents of President Abdullah Saleh left at least five people dead on Wednesday.

They violence occurred in the flashpoint city Taiz after fighting erupted between pro-government forces and tribesmen who support the opposition. Also, residents say there is heavy shelling in the city, after troops moved in with armored vehicles.

Meanwhile, the French news agency says three people were killed late Tuesday in the capital, Sana'a, in fighting between government troops and gunmen loyal to an opposition tribal chief.

For months, anti-government activists have rallied for Mr. Saleh's departure. Also, the Gulf Cooperation Council has proposed a plan that offers the president immunity from prosecution if he hands power to a deputy within 30 days. On at least three occasions, Mr. Saleh has refused to sign the plan, saying he first wants international guarantees about a timetable for its implementation.

On Tuesday, the state-run SABA news agency quoted a European Union envoy as saying President Saleh had moved closer to accepting the GCC plan.