UN chief 'greatly concerned' about violence in Yemen

UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon is "greatly concerned" about violence in Yemen and condemned the "excessive use of force" against "peaceful demonstrators," his spokesman said Saturday.

Ban called for "utmost restraint" after a violent crackdown on protesters by Yemeni authorities claimed five lives.

"He urges the government and opposition groups to reach an understanding on entering into a genuine and broad based dialogue leading to concrete results as to avert a further deterioration of the situation," Ban spokesman Martin Nesirky said.

A 12 year old boy was among those killed Saturday across the country, which has been gripped by deadly protests demanding the ouster of President Ali Abdallah Saleh.