President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen has announced a snap presidential election at the end of February in an attempt to end months of protests against his rule.
He signed a deal on Wednesday allowing the transfer of his powers to Vice President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
An election date of 21 February was set via a decree by the vice-president.
Under the agreement, President Saleh will receive immunity from prosecution and keep his title until a successor is elected.
If he keeps to the plan, he will become the fourth Arab ruler brought down by demonstrations this year.