The Gulf Co-operation Council has supsended its effort to mediate in Yemen's political crisis, after President Ali Abdullah Saleh has refused to sign a deal to step down.

State TV said he would only sign in the presence of opposition leaders, who had signed the agreement on Saturday.

The deal would have seen him resign within 30 days and have immunity.

A statement from the GCC said it was suspending its initiative because of "a lack of the suitable conditions".

Meanwhile, foreign diplomats had to be airlifted out of the United Arab Emirates embassy in Sanaa, which was besieged by Saleh supporters.

On Sunday, anti-government protesters also staged demonstrations in the Yemeni capital.