The Hill News

President Obama called on Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to show restraint in dealing with protesters, condemning the violence that has taken place in that country.

Obama issued the statement just a few hours before he's scheduled to address the nation on the situation in Libya.

In a statement released Friday by the White House, Obama called on Saleh "to adhere to his public pledge to allow demonstrations to take place peacefully."

"Those responsible for today’s violence must be held accountable," Obama said.

Yemen's president has declared a state of emergency as protesters have demanded he step down.

Bahrainian and Saudi efforts to quell the uprising resulted in more than 20 killed earlier Friday.

The president said the U.S. "stands for a set of universal rights, including the freedom of expression and assembly, as well as political change that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people."

"It is more important than ever for all sides to participate in an open and transparent process that addresses the legitimate concerns of the Yemeni people and provides a peaceful, orderly and democratic path to a stronger and more prosperous nation," Obama said.