Sanaa (ANTARA News/AFP) - Yemen`s deputy president held talks with US ambassador Gerald Michael Feierstein on Sunday after injured President Ali Abdullah Saleh was hospitalised in Saudi Arabia, state news agency Saba said.

"Yemen`s Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi received today the US ambassador in Yemen Gerald Feierstein," reported Saba.

Under the constitution, Hadi replaces Saleh in his absence after the veteran leader was wounded by an explosion as he prayed at a mosque inside his presidential compound on Friday.

Saleh was transferred to Saudi Arabia late on Saturday, but has not stood down, a Saudi official said.

"Several issues were discussed regarding the current developments... and means of cooperation to protect the basic services such as oil, gas, and electricity, and to implement a complete ceasefire," reported Saba.

They also discussed "the importance of cooperation with the Common Forum," an alliance of parliamentary opposition, it added.

Feierstein hoped for "the quick recovery of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and all those wounded" in the attack that targetted the embattled leader`s palace compound in Sanaa Friday.

The US envoy "affirmed" his country`s "full cooperation in all that concerns peace, stability and unity in Yemen," said Saba.

Two weeks of fighting between opposition tribesmen and troops loyal to Saleh have left nearly 140 people dead, according to an AFP tally based on reports by medics and tribal sources. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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