Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (AHN) – Canada issued Sunday a travel advisory against Yemen and urged Canadians in the Middle Eastern country to consider leaving while commercial flights are still available. Ottawa came out with the advisory following the wave of anti-government rallies since mid-February seeking the ouster of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Like other long-time rulers in the Middle Eastern and north African regions where residents seek changes in leadership, Saleh has been in power for 32 years. The civil unrest is part of the people power fever to hit the region after Egyptians successfully removed President Hosni Mubarak and Libyans attempt to unseat dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Ottawa warned Canadians that the level of risk remains very high and consular officials may not be able to provide assistance for citizens in some parts of Yemen.

A similar advisory was issued Sunday by the U.S. government because of the civil unrest and prevalence of terrorism since al Qaeda is active in the country.

On Friday noon, about 50,000 Yemenis attended a rally outside Sanaa University to air their protest against Saleh’s continued stay in power. The protesters were supported by religious leaders, who told them deposing a tyrant is a religious duty.

Last week, the opposition offered the embattled president a deal for Saleh to initiate major political reforms in exchange for their support for him to remain in office until the end of 2011. Saleh rejected the offer, but promised to step down when his term ends in 2013.

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