Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has declared the war with Shiite rebels in the north of the country over.

In an interview with TV channel Al-Arabiya, President Saleh says there are signs that the Houthi rebels will respect a truce. As indications he cited the fact that the rebels are lifting road blocks and releasing captured soldiers.

The president's remarks come just a few days after he complained about the rebel's scant co-operation.